Community support for Sophie’s appeal to help blaze victim

Community support for Sophie’s appeal to help blaze victim

16 May 2018

A DOWNPATRICK teenager’s appeal to help an elderly neighbour whose home was badly damaged in an arson attack has a struck a chord with the community.

Sophie McCarthy (13) launched the appeal to raise money to help John Brown whose Ballymote Walk home was engulfed in a ferocious blaze on May 4.

A fire was deliberately started at a nearby fence which spread to a shed before flames lapped the side of his home and set the roof alight. Only the quick actions of local firemen prevented the blaze from spreading.

Mr Brown’s motobility scooter was destroyed in the incident which was widely condemned, but community-spirited people are coming forward with offers of help.

One woman moved by Sophie’s appeal contacted the teenager to offer her a mobility scooter which belonged to a family relative which she wants Mr Brown to have.

The teenager wanted to help her neighbour and send out a message that not all young people in the Model Farm and Flying Horse areas were up to no good. She said no one wants to see elderly people being targeted and left feeling frightened.

Sophie made collection boxes which have been placed in a number of local businesses, one of which has already been returned to her full of money.

On Monday night, her Irish dancing classmates at  Scoil rince an chroi organised a coffee evening to raise money for the pensioner whose home was damaged.

“We are delighted with the response to date,” said Sophie’s mum, Bronagh.

“People are so generous. The fact someone is willing to provide a mobility scooter is more than Sophie could have hoped for. Her plan was to raise money to buy one, but she can now make sure all the money goes directly to John.”

Sophie’s mum said the family have received a lot of positive feedback as a result of last week’s article highlighting her daughter’s appeal.

“People have been very kind with their comments. Many people say we should be very proud of Sophie and what she is doing and of course we are,” said Bronagh.

“Many have been impressed that someone so young has taken on the challenge of raising money for John after his home was damaged. We want to thank everyone who has supported Sophie’s appeal.”

Bronagh added: “The fact someone is going to donate a mobility scooter is great news. Sophie plans to leave the collection boxes out for a few more weeks in the hope that she can raise as much as possible for Mr Brown. 

“She is very proud of what she is doing and is showing the care she has for her elderly neighbours. Peter and I are so proud of her and the strong message she is sending out that not all young people are bad.”