Derry pianist Ruth McGinley reveals how Lottery support helped her rediscover her spark after struggling with mental health issues
Derry pianist Ruth McGinley has revealed how lottery support helped her rediscover her spark after she struggled with mental health issues.
Mrs McGinley, theatre company Stage Beyond and the Walled City Partnership feature in a new campaign celebrating the impact of National Lottery funding in Northern Ireland.
They appear alongside a host of projects from the arts, community, heritage and sporting sectors in a new film which thanking National Lottery players for their support.
They join the likes of golfer Rory McIlroy and Paralympics gold medallist Bethany Firth as celebrated Lottery beneficiaries.
Ruth received a National Lottery grant for ‘Reconnection’ album, while Stage Beyond, a theatre company for adults with learning disabilities has been supported by the Lottery through the Arts Council Northern Ireland. While the Walled City Partnership which has helped restore parts of Derry’s town centre heritage is National Lottery funded through the Heritage Lottery Fund.
They now feature in an online campaign voiced by local broadcaster Sarah Travers, revealing what the National Lottery has done for Northern Ireland. Since 1994, players have supported more than 20,000 projects in Northern Ireland with £1 billion of investment.
Ruth said: “I achieved success in my early years as a musician but became burnt out in later years as I struggled with depression, anxiety and addiction.
“But I have had the most amazing few months since I released my debut album, ‘Reconnection.’
“The support I have had as a result of National Lottery funding through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland has been incredible and they have been with me every step of the way.”
Dee Conaghan, from Stage Beyond, said: “Stage Beyond is a theatre company for adults with learning difficulties. Very often people with learning difficulties will talk about their sense of isolation and their loneliness.
“Stage Beyond is about sociability, self-esteem, confidence building and finding your voice. The people who we work with are very powerful role models.”
Ronan O’Donnell, from the Walled City Partnership, said: “We have been using National Lottery funding to rescue, restore and repair properties in the historic core of the city.
“We have a finite resource of historic buildings and we try save what we have, not just for their owners but for the people of this city. And he change we have seen has been fantastic.”
Jackie O’Sullivan, from the National Lottery, added: “National Lottery funding has had a life-changing impact on society in Northern Ireland.
“Our awards have made their way to elite athletes and artists, grassroots sports clubs and community arts groups. In addition, have transformed and preserved Northern Ireland’s built and natural heritage and helped charities improve communities for the better.
“National Lottery players can be proud of the massive difference they have helped to make over the last two decades.”
The film showcasing projects and people who have helped change Northern Ireland for the better with National Lottery can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WaMrFQ4ghL4
For more information on National Lottery funding in your area, please visit www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk