A fiery Friday 13th challenge

Joice will face his fears on Friday, February 13, to walk over a 20ft pit of burning embers all in aid of raising money to help local people with mental health needs.

Upper Bann MP David Simpson and MLA Jo-Anne Dobson have pledged their support to Joice and MindWise.

“It’s a real encouragement to see the dedication and commitment of local people in their efforts to support MindWise,” said Mr Simpson.

“Throughout his life Joice has endeavoured to fundraise on behalf of this fantastic cause. I wish him well for his ‘firewalk’ and I would encourage everyone to give as generously as they can.”

Thanking Mr Simpson for his support, Joice said: “David is a champion for the voluntary sector.”

Also supporting Joice, Ulster Unionist MLA Jo-Anne Dobson said: “Joice is an amazing advocate for people with mental health - he works so hard to help local people to regain their confidence and to live a better quality of life. I know first hand the work which he and his colleagues in MindWise do.

“I fully support him as he continues to raise money for this extremely worthy cause and would encourage people to donate through his Just Giving page.”

MindWise is a leading mental health charity in Northern Ireland supporting approximately 1,000 people daily with identified mental health needs to achieve their aspirations and dreams through recovery orientated approaches.

MindWise provides community support services in the Southern Trust, which offer people with severe mental illness the support and help they need to regain confidence to engage in everyday social and workplace activities.

They provide a wide range of high quality services which are designed to enable all those who use them to achieve their full potential.

The fire walk is organised by the MS Society and will take place at 9.15pm, 34 Annadale Avenue, Belfast.

Spectators are welcome from 8.30pm.

To make a donation, visit Joice’s Just Giving page https://www.justgiving.com/Joice-Mathew/