Wee Joan’s Dog Walk raises funds for three charities supporting children and mental health
Willie Gregg presents a cheque to Stephen Watson from the NI Children's Kidney Fund. The presentation coincided with the seventh anniversary of Stephen's kidney transplant.
Tuesday 27 October 2026
Three Northern Ireland charities supporting children with serious illnesses, families facing difficult circumstances and people experiencing mental health challenges have benefited from the generosity of those who supported Wee Joan’s Dog Walk.
Willie Gregg presented cheques to representatives of the NI Children’s Kidney Fund, NI Children to Lapland and Days to Remember Trust, and the Hummingbird Project following the popular community fundraising event.
The presentations celebrated the contributions of everyone who took part in the walk, sponsored participants, donated money or helped organise the occasion.
A particularly meaningful presentation
Willie Gregg pictured with representatives of the NI Children's Kidney Fund, NI Children to Lapland and Days to Remember Trust, and the Hummingbird Project following cheque presentations from funds raised through Wee Joan's Dog Walk.
Among those receiving a donation was Stephen Watson from the NI Children’s Kidney Fund, which provides support to children affected by kidney disease and their families.
For Stephen, the presentation carried special personal significance, taking place exactly seven years to the day since he received his own kidney transplant.
The anniversary added a poignant dimension to an occasion recognising the charity’s work with children and families living with the challenges of kidney disease.
Creating precious memories for seriously ill children
Raymond Pollock and Charlene Dickey accepted a cheque on behalf of NI Children to Lapland and Days to Remember Trust.
Willie Gregg presents a cheque to Raymond Pollock and Charlene Dickey from NI Children to Lapland and Days to Remember Trust.
The charity helps children living with life-limiting and terminal illnesses enjoy special experiences, creating lasting memories and opportunities for families to spend precious time together.
A third donation was presented to Leigh Carey, CEO of the Hummingbird Project, which provides mental health and emotional wellbeing support to people experiencing challenging circumstances.
Together, the three charities represent different areas of need, from specialist support for children and families to emotional wellbeing services for individuals facing difficult times.
Willie Gregg thanks supporters for their generosity
Willie Gregg presents a cheque to Leigh Carey, CEO of the Hummingbird Project.
Speaking following the cheque presentations, Willie paid tribute to the people whose contributions made the donations possible.
“Every year, the kindness and generosity of people who support Wee Joan's Dog Walk is just incredible. Whether you took part in the walk, made a donation, sponsored someone or helped out in any way, you have played a part in supporting these wonderful charities.
“It's lovely to be able to hand over these cheques and know that the money raised is going towards helping children, families and individuals who really need that support.
“I want to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who continues to support Wee Joan's Dog Walk. It's the generosity of local people that makes occasions like this possible.”
The presentations marked another successful chapter for Wee Joan’s Dog Walk, demonstrating how a community fundraising event can bring people together while providing valuable support to charities working with some of Northern Ireland’s most vulnerable children, families and individuals.
