Q Man cheers up boys who lost their fathers

Q Man cheers up boys who lost their fathers

20 March 2019

IT has been an emotional few months for the pupils of Drumlins Integrated Primary School in Ballynahinch.  

Just before Christmas 2018, P3 pupil Reuben Hamilton lost his father, John, after a sudden heart attack.

Then a few weeks later, by a cruel twist of fate, his best friend, Jacob Shaw, whom he sat beside in the classroom, received the horrifying news that his father, Steven, died in a tragic accident whilst working in England. 

Their teacher, Glenn Gibson, along with Janice Marshall, principal of Drumlins, wanted to inject some positive energy into the classroom and contacted Q Radio to see if one of their presenters could give the class a ‘shout out’ live on air.

This closely knit community school got more than they bargained for. Q Radio directors organised for their very own superhero mascot, The Q Man, to visit the school, plus their Q Crew gave goodie bags to all 200 pupils. 

Seven year-old Reuben said: “I was very sad when my daddy died, but my teacher, Mr Gibson, and Mrs Codd, who is in charge of learning support and wellbeing in the school, helped to make me a bit happier.

“All the class made me cards and I even got some Christmas presents. A well as Santa bringing me a new trailer for my toy tractor I had lots of other presents from my school friends.”

He continued: “I do miss my daddy every single day and really miss helping him on our farm feeding the sheep, milking the cows, going for spins on the tractor and playing with water pistols.

“Some days I cry in school and sometimes my classmates cry too as they feel sorry for me and Jacob, but today we were laughing so much, as the Q Man became our teacher for the day and chased us in the playground.

“I’m glad me and Jacob’s best friend Charlie got to play with the Q Man too as he has been very kind to both of us. He’s the best best friend in the world. All our class loved the Q Man and we even got Q Radio stickers and pens too.”  

Jacob, who is also seven, said: “I have been very upset since my daddy died, but Mr Gibson and Mrs Codd are always there for me.

“Sometimes when I’m very sad I go to Mrs Codd’s classroom on my own. She chats to me on her comfy settee, we listen to music and she even gives me sweets.

“I am pleased that the Q Man came to our classroom. He’s like Superman with big muscles, but Mr Gibson is still my Superhero, even though his muscles aren’t as big and strong as the Q Man’s.” 

Thanking Q Radio for their kind gesture, Mr Gibson said: “It is great to see Jacob and Reuben laughing today, as there has been a lot of tears over the past few months.

“Everyone at Drumlins Integrated Primary School feels humbled and it was great that all of our class got enjoy the whole experience. Thank you Q Man for coming to the rescue.”