St Mary’s University College kicked off its ‘Inspiring Insights’ talk series for Liberal Arts students with College alumna, Una Burns. Una returned to her alma mater to share a story of the inspiration behind the Christmas advertisement for Charlie’s Bar in Enniskillen, which is her family business.

She achieved global success with the advert as it connected emotionally with so many people on the importance of Christmas, including looking out for others – the simple gesture of talking to someone, which was delivered so well in the advert. John Lewis acknowledged the brilliance of the advert by visiting Charlie’s Bar with a donation for the customers and staff.

Despite all the media success, Una still thought it was important to achieve something concrete from the initiative. She set up a Go Fund Me page and created a clothing range in partnership with Age NI, which Diageo have stocked in their Guinness Storehouse. The money raised goes to Age NI and South West Age Partnership.

It is an outstanding story of someone helping other people to improve their lives and the importance of social contact.