HEALTH Minister Robin Swann has paid tribute to Fermanagh man Grant Weir on his remarkable fundraising efforts, which saw £14,000 raised for two local causes.

Mr. Swann was speaking after meeting with Grant last Friday afternoon in Ballinamallard, where the fruits of Grant's fundraising efforts were presented – a £7,000 cheque for The Ely Centre, and a cheque for £7,000 for South East Fermanagh Foundation (SEFF).

The Minister paid tribute to the Fermanagh man – a former soldier who suffered serious life-changing injuries following a bomb explosion on July 17, 1979, with his family now providing his caring needs in the village of Ballinamallard.

After sustaining serious injuries in the bomb attack, Grant was not expected to walk again – however, he defied the odds, with his recent fundraising efforts being typical of his courage and determination.

Grant's fundraising efforts featured in this paper some months back, with readers following his progress across a six-week period as he walked the equivalent of a 26-mile marathon, raising some £14,000 in the process.

Mr. Swann said: “Every day I hear stories about the fantastic work our carers do, and I was particularly struck by Grant’s story, and I am delighted to have met with him.

"He is a remarkable character who has shown real inspiration and determination.

“It goes without saying that his carers, especially his sister, Michelle Nixon, are to be commended.

"As this year’s Carers Week comes to a close, I want to again thank all of those with caring roles in our society – they really do help those they care for to keep moving forward with fulfilling lives each and every day.”

Grant's sister and main carer, Michele Nixon, added: "As a family we appreciate Minister Swann coming along today.

"His presence honours my brother Grant and his incredible achievement of walking a distance in excess of a marathon over a six-week period. This was against the backdrop of us being told that Grant would never walk again.

"As a family, our lives as well as Grant's irreversibly changed on the day Grant was blown up – we became carers for him overnight.

"Over the years it has been challenging, but two organisations who have stood by us are The South East Fermanagh Foundation (SEFF) and The Ely Centre.

"We wished to say thank-you to these organisations, and that was the basis for the walking fundraiser which has raised £14,000.

"Both groups do much to support the needs of the seriously injured and carers, and we trust that the monies will help to support the mental health and wellbeing needs of many other victims and survivors," she added.

Grant, alongside his family and friends, enjoyed Mr. Swann's visit and the cheques presentation, and Grant was presented with a Tottenham Hotspurs jersey with 'Grant Weir 26' printed on the back.