The picture of health after open heart surgery... Olympic legend Dame Mary Peters back in public life as she mingles with stars at sporting fundraiser
ALL Dame Mary Peters wants for Christmas is continued good health.
But she got an early present yesterday when a selection of sports stars turned out to support her ‘Race to a Million’ campaign as she made her first public appearance after extensive open heart surgery.
Northern Ireland’s 1972 Olympic golden girl turned national treasure looked radiant at the Sport Inspires Lunch at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast to raise funds for the Mary Peters Trust.
And she said she was determined to enjoy her first outing after a six-hour NHS operation several weeks ago and a spell of recuperation at the Somme Nursing Home in east Belfast.
“I’m excited to be here, especially when I see all these young people doing their sports,” she said, referring to the gymnastics and table tennis displays going on in the main entrance hall prior to the meal.
“There’s a big crowd and it’s wonderful. This is one of our major fundraisers, so it’s very important. I’m just happy I’m well enough to be here.”
She added: “I got clearance from the consultant yesterday; he doesn’t need to see me again, so I’m firing on all cylinders and ready for the New Year and getting this million together before July.”
Mary’s Race to a Million project, which has already raised two thirds of its target, was launched two years ago to invest enough money to ensure funding for our future sporting champions.
The first lady of Northern Ireland sport over five decades said she was delighted with the money amassed so far and said she was touched by the letters and cards she received following her illness.
“Everyone has been so helpful in getting me back on my feet again, with all their support,” she said, adding that she has been “given a 10-year extension” thanks to the surgery.
Through her tireless work on her project to secure the future of the trust to aid future generations of young sportsmen and women, the 79-year-old is undeniably a role model — an accolade she accepts with grace.
“I feel very privileged that I can help people realise their dreams, because I didn’t have that kind of support,” Dame Mary added.
“And if I can make it easier for them to achieve their dreams then we can get so much joy out of seeing them travelling all over the world as our ambassadors.”
Film and TV actor James Nesbitt, yesterday’s compere, said he attends the event every year in honour of his host, whom he described as “the most inspirational person I’ve ever met”.
“She is an astonishing woman,” the Cold Feet star said, joking that “when Mary asks you to do something you can’t say no.”
He added: “More than any other sporting legend, Mary has been the real beacon, the one person who transcended all sectarian barriers when Northern Ireland was at its worst.
“And here she is on the eve of her 80th birthday, recovering from surgery, looking incredible and continuing to raise money and light a pathway for young and future sporting stars.”
He added: “History will show that Mary Peters is the very living notion of why sport matters to everyone.”
Former Ulster and Irish Rugby international Paddy Wallace, who was there with his partner Sarah Moore, said it was his third time at the fundraiser.
“It’s always good to come and catch up with friends and team mates and to support Mary, who’s such a great ambassador for our wee country,” he said.
“She epitomises everything that’s great about Belfast, Northern Ireland and sport. We’ve always punched above our weight and we must continue to ensure we do that.” Gymnast and Commonwealth Games gold medallist Rhys McClenaghan said he was there “to support Mary Peters because she has done so much for me”. He added: “She helped get me onto programmes and that has helped me get to where I am today.”
Paralympic gold medallist Michael McKillop said he considered the Munich Olympics pentathlon gold medallist “a friend as much as a fellow athlete”.
“I can’t describe how highly I think of her,” he said.
“The Mary Peters Trust has supported me over the years, and not just with money. Mary has been a mentor and a friend. She was invited to my wedding in November, that’s how close we are.”
Golfer Michael Hoey, who was attending the festive dinner for the first time yesterday, said he was “happy to be here”.
“My dad Brian had open heart surgery around the same time as Mary and I’m pleased that they’re both doing so well now,” he added.
Ireland hockey team World Cup silver medallists Shirley McCay, Lizzie Colvin and Zoe Wilson were there, as was Northern Ireland football manager Michael O’Neill. And North West 200 Superbike winner Glenn Irwin made sure he didn’t miss the event after his flight was cancelled from Southampton. He hopped in a taxi to Birmingham and caught another flight to the special occasion.