Little Charlie Craig recovering ‘exceptionally well’

Charlie and his wee sister Nancy who has been a real tonic and joy for her brother

Four-year-old Charlie’s plight touched the hearts of the people of Mid Ulster and indeed Northern Ireland as people turned out in huge numbers to get tested for a donor match.

Charlie, whose mum Cliodhna Craig is from Cookstown, has been battling Acute Myeloid Leukaemia since January 2013.

He was admitted to hospital in Bristol on May 5 to undergo the procedure, and his parents were already aware that it would be ‘the fight of his life.’

But now, six months later, Charlie’s doctors are very pleased with his progress and so much so, that to the families delight, they are starting to enter discussions about the possibility of him starting Primary One in the New Year.

“We have complete faith in Charlie’s healing and have so much to be grateful for” says Cliodhna.

“People often ask Fintan and I how we got through this last couple years and the simple answer is with unwavering support, good will and our own faith in God. We have been totally carried by all the prayers. We will always be so grateful for the ongoing prayers.

“It is only really sinking in now as we emerge from this ordeal, how amazing the donor day drives held back in March were. Not to mention the fundraising cycle undertaken in September past.

“We cannot believe that so many people got together to organise and support these events. Anyone who has spent time in a kids cancer unit will know how much difference fundraising and awareness makes to these children and to their families. People should be so proud of what they have done and continue to do.”

In his own words, even little Charlie can see how much he has progressed over the last number of months, “Mummy I am as strong as an ox and I eat like a horse,” he said recently.

We wish Charlie all the best as he continues to recover and get stronger.

Mulligans Bar, Cookstown will be hosting a Quiz Night on Thursday, November 20th with all proceeds raised on the night going towards Delete Blood Cancer in honour of the Charlie Craig Campaign.

The evening promises to be great craic, with quizmasters Colm McCafferty and Eddie Doris taking to

the stage.

Teams of six are invited to take part with an entry fee of only £5p/person. Anyone wishing to take part or to make a donation to the raffle which will be held on the should call into Mulligans Bar directly or contact Kelly Jo Eastwood on 07876548989.

Another fundraising effort inspired by Charlie, has raised over £10k for charity as well. Cycling for Charlie organised by Charlie’s dad Fintan and a group of friends raised a tremendous amount of money for the Anthony Nolan Trust.

Keep an eye on Mid-Ulster Mail in the coming week’s for the full story about the Cycle for Charlie success.