Derry Girls star teams up with Lidl NI to launch Age Friendly Trolley Dash

Derry Girls actor Ian McElhinney (77) has teamed up with Lidl Northern Ireland and Age NI to launch the return of the retailer’s much-loved Trolley Dash fundraiser, now in its 11th year, to support older people across Northern Ireland.

A firm favourite with customers, the Trolley Dash offers 44 lucky Lidl shoppers the chance to win a supermarket sweep-style dash around their local store for just a £1 ticket, with all proceeds supporting Age NI, Lidl Northern Ireland’s official charity partner.

With two minutes on the clock, dashers have the opportunity to fill their trolleys with Christmas groceries, completely free of charge. Last year’s event successfully raised £75,000 for Age NI and rewarded participants with hundreds of pounds worth of festive food.

In 2025, Lidl Northern Ireland is enhancing the initiative with the introduction of an ‘Age Friendly’ Trolley Dash, designed in partnership with Age NI to ensure the event is more inclusive and accessible for older participants.

As part of this new element, six Age NI service users will be selected to take part in specially adapted Trolley Dashes in selected stores across Northern Ireland – one in every county. Dashers will have an extended five minutes to grab as many products as they can to win their shop and bag a festive feast. The aim is to provide equity of opportunity so that older participants can enjoy the same excitement and reward as younger dashers – all while promoting inclusion, participation and positive ageing.

The new Age Friendly Trolley Dash builds on Lidl Northern Ireland’s wider commitment to becoming Northern Ireland’s number one age friendly retailer, a pledge which underpins its partnership with Age NI and its support for older people across communities.

The announcement follows last month’s powerful ‘Making Age Visible’ campaign, launched for Positive Ageing Month, which revealed that two thirds (65%) of older people in Northern Ireland feel invisible or overlooked, and that many can go days without meaningful conversation.

Ian McElhinney, best known for his roles in Derry Girls and Game of Thrones, said: “I’m proud to support Lidl Northern Ireland and Age NI for the launch of this year’s Trolley Dash. It’s a campaign that brings joy and fun to communities, but it also carries an important message about inclusion and respect for older people.

“The new Age Friendly Trolley Dash is a wonderful way to celebrate older shoppers and to make sure everyone, regardless of age or ability, can take part in the excitement. It shows Lidl’s commitment to becoming a truly age friendly retailer – and to making ageing something visible, valued and celebrated.”

Gordon Cruikshanks, Lidl Northern Ireland Regional Managing Director said: “Our Trolley Dash has become a highlight of the festive calendar, and every year our customers show incredible support for our fundraising efforts. Last year we raised £75,000 for Age NI, and this year we’re building on that success with the launch of our Age Friendly Trolley Dash.

“This new element reflects our commitment to becoming Northern Ireland’s number one age friendly retailer – creating a shopping experience that is inclusive, accessible and engaging for everyone. Together with Age NI, we’re helping to raise vital funds and spark meaningful conversations about what it means to age positively in Northern Ireland.”

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Linda Robinson BEM, Chief Executive of Age NI, said: “Every pound raised through Lidl Northern Ireland’s Trolley Dash makes a genuine difference to Age NI, helping us deliver essential services that provide friendship, advice and support to thousands of older people across Northern Ireland.

"Too many older people face loneliness, financial pressure or health challenges, and campaigns like this give us the resources to reach into communities and offer real help where it’s needed most.

"We’re incredibly grateful to Lidl Northern Ireland, their staff and customers for their continued support, and we’d encourage everyone to pick up a Trolley Dash ticket this year – it’s a fun and festive way to do something that truly makes a difference to the lives of others.”

Tickets for Lidl Northern Ireland’s Trolley Dash will be on sale in all 44 stores from Monday, November 17 to Sunday, November 30. Tickets cost £1 each, with 100% of proceeds going directly to Age NI.

Winners will be invited to take part in the Christmas Trolley Dash at their local store on Saturday, December 13 2025, before store opening, giving them a clean run at the aisles to grab as many festive favourites as they can. 

For more information and full terms and conditions, visit www.lidl-ni.co.uk/trolleydash.