I want to thank all for helping out and we managed to raise £4,700 for the Air Ambulance NI

I want to thank all for helping out and we managed to raise £4,700 for the Air Ambulance NI

1 June 2022

THE mother of a 12 year-old Downpatrick boy who died in tragic circumstances has issued a heartfelt thank you to those who attended a charity fund-raising day in his memory.

A fun day held on Sunday, May 

22, which would have been Callum Fitzsimons’ 13th birthday, raised 

over £4,700 for Air Ambulance Northern Ireland.

The event was held in the grounds of Downpatrick Presbyterian Church and was attended by family members and many of Callum’s friends.

Callum’s mum, Nikki, said she was “deeply overwhelmed” by the generosity of so many people who supported the fun day.

She also spoke of the devastation caused by Callum’s sudden death and of her torment at not knowing how he died.

“News of Callum’s death ripped through the hearts of everyone and the whole community,” she said. “He was a bright light to all that knew him and those who didn’t know him.

“I want to thank family, his friends, his school and the community for helping out in the brief time we had to pull off the fun day in his memory, which we did. We managed to raise £4,713.92 for the Air Ambulance NI.

“I am deeply touched and grateful for everyone who took part and to everyone who donated stuff for the fun day — a big thank you. Callum loved his adventures and would have been dancing around us loving his birthday.”

Nikki offered some advice to parents everywhere: “Make as many memories as you can, take as many pictures as you can. Hold your precious children every night. Life is cruel and can change in an instant.” 

She also said a hashtag page will be set up soon to keep Callum’s memory alive.

Nikki added: “Callum was too good and innocent for this cruel world. Never stop exploring my Star Child. To infinity and beyond.”    

A spokesperson for Air Ambulance NI said: “Our heartfelt sympathies and thoughts are with the Fitzsimons family at this incredibly difficult time of loss following the death of young Callum.

“We are touched and humbled that the family have been able to think of giving back and raising funds in Callum’s memory. 

“We would like to thank the family and the whole community who helped with the event in recognition of what would have been Callum’s 13th birthday.

“The funds raised will help give the best chance to future patients and their families, by flying the Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) team direct to the scene of those who are critically ill or injured.”