Eight trips, a suitcase full of Derry and more classrooms to build

On Friday, November 6, Cathal McOscar, from Castledawson, will tuck those colours in beside his work boots and head to South Africa for his eighth Mellon Educate Building Blitz.

He’ll be back on the tools helping to build classrooms, with a gift from home for the children and young adults who’ll make those jerseys their own.

Before he goes, he’s asking Derry and beyond to get behind the build too, by giving what they can or sharing his fundraising appeal.

The White Star Consultants managing director and local sports photographer will join fellow volunteers to help build and improve school facilities.

For the eighth time, he is giving his time and putting his experience to work on classrooms that teachers and pupils will use long after the tools have been packed away.

“Taking part in the Building Blitz has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life,” Cathal said.

“There is something incredibly powerful about people coming together, working long hours and knowing that what they build will benefit children for many years. I have seen the difference these schools can make, and that is what keeps bringing me back.”

The jerseys are a personal touch Cathal has made part of his visits.

He collects donated kits from clubs across County Derry and gives them to children and young adults in the communities where he volunteers.

In photographs from earlier trips, young people line up shoulder to shoulder, a ball tucked under one arm, wearing the colours with all the pride of a team lining out at home.

For the clubs that gave them, it’s a chance to see just how far their colours can travel and who gets to make them their own.

Cathal’s fundraising for Mellon Educate continues and he is asking individuals, families, clubs and businesses to give whatever they can comfortably afford.

Donations of any size will help the charity continue its work to improve educational opportunities for children in South Africa.

“Every person who donates or shares the page becomes part of this journey and part of what we leave behind,” Cathal added.

“If donating is not possible, simply sharing the appeal with family, friends or colleagues would mean a great deal.

Help Cathal take a little more of Derry with him when he leaves tomorrow by donating here