Down’s heroes in the running for Superstar title

8 November 2017

FOUR local residents whose selfless actions have made a difference to the lives of others are finalists in SuperValu’s SuperStar competition.

Following the success of its SuperMums campaign, the store broadened the search to encompass the whole community.

The overall winner will win a five star family holiday and the nominee with receive shopping vouchers.

There are 36 SuperValu stores in Northern Ireland and all stores have a finalist. The final itself will take place on November 22 in Titanic Hotel, Belfast, with compere on the night, broadcaster Claire McCollum.

Charlie Wright (10), from Killyleagh

Charlie has been nominated by mum Melanie Douglas. He was born with a rare genetic disease called CAPS (Cryopyrin-associated Periodic Syndrome), which causes his immune inflammatory response to go into hyper-drive.

“I know every mum is proud of their child but Charlie is truly an amazing and utterly inspiring super star,” said Melanie.

Charlie inspires me every single day with his determination and positive outlook. He shares his story with people through giving presentations, interviews and through different websites.

“He believes that knowledge is power and he wants everyone to know about his condition and the issues that face those with an invisible disability. He has been to Stormont to lobby local MLAs and has taken part in rare disease conferences.

“Charlie is so caring; every admission to hospital and subsequent visits has him chatting to staff and visiting friends he meets when he was in previously. Charlie misses lots of school but he tries so hard to keep on top of things so that he can go to his school of choice. So that’s him but that’s not all he deals with.

“I have the same condition and I have another life threatening condition that requires Charlie to be a carer too at times. Charlie has saved my life on a number of occasions and has spent many days and nights in hospital with me caring for me and looking out for me. He is passionate about raising awareness on my condition too and will be very open to people if he thinks that I might be put in danger. He is a natural care giver and has just rescued two little kittens to give them a home.

“This child is extraordinary — he wants to make a difference in this world and he is adamant that if he gets to be a doctor he will make sure that children like him will have an easier road to diagnosis and a more positive experience of the health care system.”

Melanie said Charlie was also involved in the creation of a ‘Parent Pack’, which will consist of toiletries that families with children in hospital can use. It is due to be launched locally later this year.

Charlie Hamilton-Cooper (5), from Crossgar

Charlie has been nominated by his mum Catherine Hamilton-Cooper.

At the age of four, Charlie listened to his parents discussing the detrimental effects plastic and rubbish in the seas is having on sea-life and wildlife. Charlie told his parents he wanted to help all the animals he loves and together they discussed how he could help.

Charlie decided he wanted to start beach cleaning and his quest was to visit different beaches and coastlines in Northern Ireland to rid them of plastic and rubbish.

“Charlie started his first beach clean on March, 18,” said Catherine. “He cleaned Ballyhoran beach and then carried on to clean Killyleagh shore on the same day. Charlie is not only helping save all the animals he loves, he is contributing to keeping his community clean and tidy.”

Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful have also named Charlie their first ever ‘Littlest Litter Hero’ and featured Charlie in their newsletter. At the time of the SuperValu nomination Charlie carried out eight beach cleans including Ballyhoran beach, Killyleagh shore, Newcastle beach, Killough shore, Minerstown beach, a beach in Donegal when

he was on holiday, and many more since then.

Charlie has further helped to keep his community safe as when cleaning Minerstown Beach he spotted live flares. Subsequently, the Newcastle Coastguard attended the scene and further a bomb disposal team from Aldergrove carried out a controlled explosion on a total of three live flares. When carrying out a beach clean of Newcastle beach, Charlie also found anti-psychotic drugs and drugs to treat epilepsy.

Mrs Mary Rice, from Dundrum

Mrs Rice was nominated by Debbie Walker from Dromara. Debbie explained that Mrs Rice had lived beside her mother-in-law Nora for over 35 years. She said her mother-in-law had a “really dreadful few years” following family bereavements and battling cancer.

“Mrs Rice made such a effort with Nora especially after the death of Nora’s husband as she was not mobile nor could she drive,” said Debbie. “She called every single day in life, with her newspaper, went to mass and brought her holy communion, cut her grass, left out her bin and brought it back in. She also was looking after an very elderly neighbour in those last few years bringing her dinner. When the neighbour passed away she adopted her little orphan cat.

“In June Nora began to become very ill and Mrs Rice called in one morning to find Nora lying on the stairs. She contacted us and also the Ambulance Service and Nora was admitted to hospital. Mrs Rice was still looking out and helping us from her home waiting to let careers and hospital beds into Nora’s home while we were with her at hospital. She also managed to visit her there very few days. Nora passed away on June 26 and never made it back home. All this time while Mrs Rice was looking after Nora her own lovely husband had also been diagnosed with cancer and still she never stopped looking out for others and was always there to help.

“I believe she is such a hero and would love her to see how much she is appreciated. She is one of the kindest, most patient, sincere and caring persons I have ever met. I truly believe Mrs Rice is a Superstar but she is not aware she is, just thinks everyone is like her, always willing to help out and be so kind and caring.”

Mrs Rice said she was pleased to hear she had been nominated and hoped neighbours would continue to look after each other in her local community.

Emmanuel McMenamin, from Downpatrick

Emmanuel is the manager of Downpatrick Boxing Academy. He was nominated by Conor Galbraith.

Conor said of Emmanuel: “I’ve recently had the privilege to volunteer along with a guy who has proved to have a huge heart in order to help the young people in or community.

“I made use of his facilities for the young people in my youth group and seen how he wants to help young people do well in life.

“He brings young people boxing even if they can’t afford the cost of it. He would never turn anyone away. He talks to many agencies to try to get what he can to take young people of the streets to avoid anti-social behaviour. I just think he’s a great lad.”

Emmanuel said many people were involved with the work of Downpatrick Boxing Club and its many fundraising efforts.

“When people come to us with their fundraising needs we try to help,” he said.

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