Oliver’s Army in Ballymoney raise £1,200!

PAY HERE. Pupils from Ballymoney High, Jamiee-Leigh, Melissa, Cathie and Rachel, who were collecting donations from fellow pupils during an non-uniform day plus other events to raise funds for the 'Help Oliver Walk' campaign on Friday.INBM12-14 003SC.

The school community had decided to hold a special fundraising day to boost Wee Oliver’s fund to send the local boy to America for specialist treatment for his cerebral palsy.

Ballymoney High School PE teacher Bronagh Cooke explained why the school decided to get involved in the fundraising.

“As well as teaching PE, I am Head of Citizenship and in Citizenship we try to embed the ethos in the school of helping others rather than helping ourselves.

TAA DAA! Organiser of the fundraising events for the Help Oliver Walk campaign at Ballymoney High School on Friday, Bronagh Cooke, pictured with Irish Dancers, Lucy, Stephanie, Samantha, Nikki and Chloe.INBM12-14 004SC.

“I had read a lot about wee Oliver and as a PE teacher, I realised that we all take it for granted that we can get up and move around whenever we want to.

“So I think it is important for the pupils to see someone like Oliver who is so inspirational. He is so young yet he is battling on.

“So, our netball team decided they would gather up sponsorship and they took on a team for former netball-playing pupils in a sponsored match.

“When Oliver arrived at the school, our school choir introduced themselves through music. We also had Irish dancers, solos singers and other dancers.

SINGING SOLO. Ballymoney High School pupil Kelsey Davis, who sang during the fundraising day for the Help Oliver Walk campaign at the school on Friday.INBM12-14 005SC.

“Some of our school councillors interviewed wee Oliver and then the school choir sang the uplifting “Lean on Me” for him.”

A great effort was put in by staff, pupils and parents of Ballymoney High School and the grand total of £1,200 was raised to add to the fundraising appeal.