Ipad surprise for art-madpupil Tiernon

Gerry and Geraldine McCollum of The Christopher McCollum Fund pictured presenting gifts to Tiernon McCartney, a pupil of Ballysally Primary School. Included are; James Caldwell (father), Joeleen McCartney (mother), Isobel Douglas (Neuro Nurse NI), Tracey McMullan (granny), Jane McCafferty (class assistant), and Lynne Anderson (teacher). INCR48-325PL

The Christopher McCollum Fund was set up in 2008, to provide funds to help purchase a wheelchair, or other equipment for young people aged 18 or under who have a disability or illness and which may be life limited.

And recently, the parents of Christopher - Geraldine and Gerry - visited Ballysally Primary School to hand over an ipad and printer to P7 youngsyer Tiernon McCartney.

“Tiernon has shown a talent for art so the iPad will help him to pursue his interest in drawing,” explained the Spirit of Chris charity’s Geraldine McCollum.

“Tiernon was referred to us by his neuromuscular nurse at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, Isobel Douglas.

“One of our aims is to improve the quality of life of young people by providing them with equipment such as wheelchairs.”

“Like our son Christopher, who died in 2001, Tiernon suffers from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.

“He didn’t know he was getting the iPad so it was a big surprise for him - he was overwhelmed.

“He will now be able to access drawing apps with it and also print his work out.”

Among those attending the presentation at the school were Tiernon’s proud parents, James and Joeleen, his grandmum Tracey McMullan and his nurse Isobel.

Also present were the school principal Geoff Dunn, Tiernon’s teacher Lynne Anderson and class assistant Jane McCafferty.