Brave students are honoured

Brave students are honoured

26 June 2013

THE achievements of four young Downpatrick students have been celebrated with certificates from a leading Northern Ireland charity.

The William Keown Trust has presented personal achievement awards to the Downpatrick four of Ryan McVeigh, Kimberley Trainor, Jonathan Fitzpatrick and Michael O’Neill in recognition of their battles to overcome their own personal difficulties.

Ryan McVeigh has Downs Syndrome and is pupil at Knockevin Special School in Downpatrick. He is a friendly, active 19 year-old with many friends who plays football for the school team. He is leaving school this year to attend South Eastern Regional College.

Earlier this year Ryan was involved in an accident when the bus carrying students to Knockevin was struck by a van on the Vianstown Road. The bus overturned and while the accident was traumatic for the children, there were no serious injuries. Ryan was very upset about the accident and suffered bruising across his stomach caused by his seatbelt.

Kimberley Trainor, is also a student at Knockevin, who was also involved in the recent bus accident. She is a cheerful and active girl who likes to be the leader and always tries her best. She greatly enjoys music.

Jonathan Fitzpatrick was until September 2012 petrified of water but with a huge amount of courage and persistence he has progressed from showers to the hydro pool and now to the adult pool at Down Leisure Centre.

Michael O’Neill, another student from Knockevin, was also involved in the bus accident. Michael has Global Development Delay which has affected his confidence. However, he is working hard to overcome his problems and does work placement at a cafe in Downpatrick. He was described as always putting the needs of others before himself.

The awards were presented to the teenagers by Kate Smith, President of the William Keown Trust, at a ceremony in Portadown.