Charity car wash

The event commences at 9am and will last until 5pm with all proceeds raised on the day being donated to NIKPA.

NIKPA, a charitable voluntary organisation, is dedicated to the support of kidney patients, their families and carers across Northern Ireland. The association is self-funding and run by kidney patients, their relatives and friends.

Smyths Auto Care, owned and managed by Neill Smyth, is located in the car park behind the Coach Inn at Church Square.

Supporting the event local Ulster Unionist MLA Jo-Anne Dobson said “I was delighted to hear that Neill was planning to run a charity event and that he is donating the proceeds to NIKPA. I have had a long association with this charity and indeed my son Mark had a kidney transplant three years ago.

“We are preparing for World Kidney Day on 8 March and the funds which are raised at the Car Wash will go such a long way to helping kidney patients and their families who struggle daily with the difficulties associated with enduring dialysis and the often lengthy wait for a successful kidney to be found.

“In the past we have used funds to bring young children who are awaiting a successful kidney transplant and their families to the Pantomime in the Royal Opera House and each year we run a ‘Big Day Out’ in June to Portrush for patients and their families. These events are so important for young and old alike and give us the opportunity to raise both funds and awareness for this worthy cause.”

“I would like to encourage as many people as possible to come along on Saturday 3 March to get their car washed and at the same time support kidney patients across Northern Ireland.”