Officially opened in March 2016, the purpose-built Mencap Centre, which now serves as a model for Mencap’s early intervention services across the UK and Ireland, was partially funded by the Big Step Forward Appeal , Mencap NI’s most ambitious fundraising campaign in history.

At the heart of the Mencap Centre is the Mencap Children’s Centre, a nursery for 2-4-year-olds with a learning disability , autism or developmental delay.

During his visit, Rory took part in a tour of the nursery and a meet-and-greet with Mencap families.

Following the tour, Margaret Kelly, Director, Mencap Northern Ireland, said:

"It was so exciting to show Rory around the Mencap Centre today and I know all of the children and families in attendance loved meeting him."

"The £500,000 donation from the Rory Foundation was a huge part of our success with the Big Step Forward Appeal and was vital in reaching our goal of £1.7million."

"Now that the Mencap Centre is up and running, it is already changing the lives of the children with a learning disability who attend our nursery and it also serves as a resource and a gathering place for young people and adults with a learning disability and their families."

"The Rory Foundation had a big hand in making this important centre a reality and we can’t thank Rory and his team enough for their generosity."

To donate to Mencap or to learn how you can support the charity at the 2017 Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon, visit mencapbigstepforward.org, email fundraising.ni@mencap.org.uk or call 02890 691 351.  For more information on the Rory Foundation, visit roryfoundation.com.