Ladies rugby shoot video for Women’s Aid

Portadown Ladies Rugby team have tackled the delicate subject of domestic violence with an online video which has gone viral.
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The club, which has been working hard to deliver care packages to members and non members who are sheltering or vulnerable, decided to step up a gear for Women’s Aid.

Assistant Manager Laura Donaghy said the team had been chatting on social media and Women’s Aid came up in the conversation.

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“We had wanted to do something for them on an annual basis to highlight domestic violence and got speaking to someone from Women’s Aid,” said Laura.

Portadown Ladies Rugby Team.Portadown Ladies Rugby Team.
Portadown Ladies Rugby Team.

The video, which has had more than six thousand views and has been shared by the PSNI, has a clear message: ‘Domestic violence is a crime.”

“Abuse can come in many different forms. It doesn’t even have to be physical.

“If you or someone you know is suffering from domestic violence Women’s Aid are here to help.

“They are only just a phone call away.

“You are not alone. At home should not mean at risk.”

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Laura explained: “Some of the girls are quite good with video editing so they organised the video and put it 
together within a matter of a day or two which was great considering they still have their own jobs and lives going on.

“When we first broached the idea of doing a video the girls just jumped on it and were very eager to raise awareness of domestic violence and that no one is alone.”.

Captain Kirsty Jackson and Vice Captain Azaria West were instrumental in organising the video and the girls put their all into creating it.

Azaria said: “The girls in the video were Meghan Hoey, Rebecca McGibbon, Lynsey McCavery, Jill Irwin, Hannah Lockhart, Jennifer McCall and Georgia Davies. Georgia Davies also did the editing.

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“I feel immensely proud of the girls for doing it and incredibly lucky to be able to call them my friends.

“We all support each other on and off the pitch and have developed a very special bond that I know will last a life time.”

Laura said: “It has been really well received. Both the PSNI and Women’s Aid have shared it and it has had thousands of views.”

Laura, who has one of several volunteers withing Portadown Rugby Club, said members had been out delivering care packages they had made up to the wider community, particularly to those shielding. And, in a few weeks, the girls plan on making meals and delivering meals for those in need.

If you need to contact Women’s Aid, the numbers are Portadown 028 3839 7974 or Newry 028 3025 8704.

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