Yoga fans don't let the rain put them off at a major fundraising event in Derry

More than 100 people braved downpours to take part in an outdoor yoga session in Derry to raise vital funds for the Foyle Hospice.

The event on Saturday was organised by local yoga teacher John Bell, with those attending the event managing to raise £1,200 for the Day Care Unit at the Hospice.

John said that having organised a number of similar fundraising events in the past, he wanted to now do something for the Foyle Hospice after he began visiting the unit every Wednesday to take a yoga class.

“I was just so overwhelmed by turnout on Saturday, we had people come from all over, the likes of Cookstown, Draperstown and Donegal,” he said.

“I actually wasn’t sure if we were going to be doing another one this year, but since I started going down to the Day Care unit every Wednesday, I felt that I really wanted to do something for them, because they are a brilliant bunch of people.

“We had a great turnout on Saturday, and the rain didn’t put them off one bit, we had blue ponchos for everyone to wear if it started raining, and that made for a great photo.”

John added that the level of goodwill and unity shown at Saturday’s event was ‘inspirational’.

“Yoga makes you feel good, and when you feel good, you do good in other people’s lives too,” he said.

“There were people there who might have had no idea the effect they were having on other people they don’t know by just taking part and helping raise a few pound,” he said.

“I also want to mention Paul who attends the Hospice and took part on Saturday, because he and everyone else that came out are an absolute inspiration, and the sense of unity on display there to me showed the true meaning of yoga.”