Children of Courage are recognised

The awards recognise "the accomplisnments and courage shown by children and adults with disabilities from every area of the province" and were presented by the Trust deputy president Trevor Taylor and local entertainer Gene Fitzpatrick.

This year's awards presentation was held in North Down.

Among those who were awarded the Certificate of Merit, under the Children of Courage category, was Ben Kennedy, from Carmoney Park, Campsie.

Ben, who was born 15 weeks premature is a bright, confident little boy who enjoys learning new things, according to the citation, which added: "He displays great determination and does not let his disability hold him back in any way. He has developed the confidence to attempt any task. Ben is a very popular member of his P2 class; he enjoys school and works and plays hard with all his friends.

"He is keen to learn and insists on returning to school straight away after any hospital appointments. Ben is the eldest of three boys and is a wonderful big brother. He is very generous and fundraises regularly for the Northern Ireland Children's Hospice where he goes now and again for respite care. Ben is full of energy and fun - he is certainly a child of courage."

Ethan McLaughlin, from Oakdale Park in Feeny, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia when he was only three years old.

The citation said: "Since his diagnosis he has underwent three years of intensive tresatment which has involved painful injections and chemotherapy. Unable to attend P1 he joined St Canice's Primary School in P2 where he has had no difficulty making friends and displays a fantastic attitude to learning. Ethan is an inspiration to his family and friends, throughout his illness he has never once complained but just gets on bravely with a smile."

Travis McMenamin, of Slievemore Park in Londonderry, has very limited mobility due to his condition but is determined to be as independent as possible.

The citation for Travis went on: "He loves to go to school with his brother and friends and is looking forward to going camping during the summer holidays. Travis is an inspirational child, he regularly experiences pain and discomfort but yet he never complains. Travis's teacher Ms Jennings says that 'it is an honour to have Travis in our lives, he inspires us everyday'."

There are three special trophies in the Children of Courage category - the CE Stevenson Cup, the Ironside Cup and the JB Docherty Shield.

The CE Stevenson Cup was awarded to Adam Campbell, from Buncrana Road in Londonderry.

Despite the onset of a degenerative condition Adam's strong, loving yet mischievous personality is still evident to those who take the time to get to know him, said the citation.

It added: "He has a terrific sense of humour but can also show great concern and compassion to his classmates if they are sad or distressed for whatever reason. Although Adam's physical movements are severly restricted he is still thriving to be as active as possible. His favourite activities are cycling on his tricycle with supports and boisterous play in the hydro pool or ball pool when his levels of well-being permit.

"Adam is a huge Liverpool fan and gets really excited when the conversation turns to his favourite team. He has some of the team's regalia and loves the banter about Manchester United and Liverpool rivalry. Adam is the centre of his extended family who he loves deeply. His younger sister Leah is a terrific support and is very committed to helping out whenever she can; she and Adam are very close and he is very proud of his sister. Adam is a fun-loving young boy who is adored by all in Foyle View School."

In the Carers catagory, a certificate of merit went to Lorraine Concannon and Elaine Moran, of Oakgrove Integrated Primary School.

Lorraine and Elaine care for Ben Kennedy, and continually monitor his appearance and breathing and provide him with trach changes when necessary. These changes are vitally important and enable Ben to attend school.

The citation said: "Lorraine and Elaine help develop Ben's self-esteem, encouraging his interaction with others and they provide him with opportunities to access all areas of the school curriculum. Both of the girls provide an exceptional standard of care for Ben. They are patient, kind, extremely positive, hardworking, reliable and dedicated.

"Their job can be extremely stressful and yet they do it with enthusiasm and confidence. Lorraine and Elaine have developed a wonderful rapport with Ben and his parents and are totally dedicated to him."