Emily rallys classmates for hospital gift

WHILE children who made their First Holy Communion recently are probably still counting their cash, one local girl was determined that some of it would end up in the hands of a very worthy cause.

Emily Woodward (8), a second class pupil at St Francis of Assisi Primary School, Belmayne, was born with cystic fibrosis and over the years has spent periods of time in hospital receiving treatment.

Last Christmas she decided to do something to raise money for Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin, and asked her school friends to get involved and to link it in with their First Holy Communion.

Emily designed flyers on the computer and once they were printed she did a presentation in school asking the second class students to donate some of their communion gift money. She wanted the money to go to the play therapists in the hospital.

“When you’re in hospital it can be difficult and some of the treatments like intravenous antibiotics (IV) with needles are quiet scary and sore,

? explains Emily.

“When you have a play therapist with you they make things easier. They’re really good at explaining what’s happening and making you laugh.

?

Headmistress at the school, Assumpta Kerins, says she was really proud of the students.

“It’s great that the fundraiser was initiated by a young student,

? says Ms Kerins.

“The children really liked the idea that people were thinking of them when they were given a gift of money for making their First Holy Communion, and that they in turn should think of others and donate to the fundraiser.

?