Boxer Carl Frampton weights in behind N.I.'s very own "captain Tom" in his quest to raise funds for charity

By Q Radio news

 Former world champion boxer Carl Frampton has tweeted his support for Northern Ireland's very own "Captain Tom" McKee.

Lisburn schoolboy Tommy McKee set out to raise money during Lent for overseas development charity Trocaire.

So far he has hit his target of £2500 and the tally currently stands at more than £2600.

Tommy has walked, ran and cycled  26 miles to help raise funds for the appeal.

His efforts come on the back of news that the UK government will match every donation made - pound for pound.

Last week little Tommy pledged to keep on going.

And yesterday boxer Carl weighed in with support for the youngster.

Lisburn’s “captain Tom” aka Tommy McKee raises more than £2600 for overseas development charity Trocaire during Lent...as boxer Carl Frampton tweeted his support for the 6 year old. This week Tommy’s been getting more miles in at the Mary Peters track. https://t.co/VD9oiRETRY pic.twitter.com/2agGXxA1XA

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) March 10, 2021

Northern Ireland's very own "Capt. Tom" aka Lisburn's Tommy McKee has now raised more than £2600 for overseas development charity Trocaire. All money raised will be matched pound for pound by the UK government.https://t.co/VD9oiRETRY pic.twitter.com/Is4qPc3kcO

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) March 10, 2021

(Little Tommy McKee took to the high ground this week in his Lenten campaign to raise funds for Trocaire)

Boxer Carl Frampton weighs in behind 6 year old Lisburn lad Carl Frampton who’s running, walking and cycling for overseas development charity Trocaire. The UK government is matching donations pound for pound. #trocaire @RealCFrampton https://t.co/VD9oiRETRY https://t.co/jKHdTj1zyZ

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) March 10, 2021

The UK government announced that it will match pound for pound all money raised for Trocaire and this potentially could result in up to £2 million of extra funding at a time when the charity fears its overall income from charitable donations might be greatly reduced on the back of the Covid -19 pandemic.

Tommy's been nicknamed "Little Tom" after Captain Sir Tom Moore who raised millions of pounds for the NHS in the run-up to his 100th birthday during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The ‘UK Aid Match’ initiative will see the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) double donations from the public in Northern Ireland during the campaign which launched last Wednesday.

This year’s appeal highlights the challenges faced by people in South Sudan who have had to flee their homes because of years of conflict.

Donations are being doubled by the government through UK Aid Match, meaning even greater impact.”

(Lisburn boy Tommy McKee gets in some miles for his marathon challenge for Trócaire's Lenten Appeal)

HOW YOU CAN HELP TOMMY

To find out more about this year’s Lenten Appeal or to make a donation visit www.trocaire.org or call 0800 912 1200.

Alternatively log on to: 

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/tommymc2021

(Tommy pictured at the Lady Mary Peter's track this week)