Katie's dedication is rewarded with prize

Katie's dedication is rewarded with prize

21 January 2015

A DOWNPATRICK teenager who cared for her family as her mother battled cancer is a Pupil of Courage.

Seventeen year-old Katie Stringer was presented with a Pupil of Courage Award by education officials after they learnt of her bravery following her mum's traumatic diagnosis.

Katie is one of four siblings who were shocked when their mother Maria Skelly was diagnosed in 2013. She lost her battle against the illness in March last year.

Katie, who received the award at Blackwater Integrated College which she attended until last summer, looked after her younger brother, who is still at primary school, getting him out to school for the day before ensuring she too was ready for the school day ahead.

She returned to her former school on Friday to be congratulated by staff who had nominated her as a Pupil of Courage because of her strength.

Katie, who is now studying childcare in Downpatrick, admitted the two years leading to her mother's death were difficult for the three children living at home at the time.

"I still managed to help my mum," she said. "I managed to do everything she needed and what I needed and also what my wee brother needed as he was just eight years-old."