North Antrim founders of Noah’s Story honoured at Spirit of Northern Ireland Awards
A north Antrim couple have received the Overcoming Adversity Award at this year’s Spirit of Northern Ireland awards in partnership with Ulster Bank.
Johnny and Corrina McAleese, founders of the charity Noah’s story, have been recognised for their fundraising efforts and for opening a bereavement room at Causeway Hospital.
Born out of heartbreak, Noah’s Story was established following the tragic passing of their son Noah, who sadly passed away after a farm accident in 2022. The charity is now on a mission to improve care for families experiencing bereavement.
In the first of its kind, a specialist bereavement suite was opened by Johnny and Corrina at Coleraine Hospital in 2025 and has been named in Noah’s honour. The inspirational couple want to continue their fundraising efforts and see a similar service offered at all hospitals in Northern Ireland.
Held in partnership with Ulster Bank, the awards took place on September 18 at the Culloden Hotel and recognised some of Northern Ireland’s most inspirational, unsung heroes.
Terry Robb, Head of Branch and Local Banking, at title sponsor Ulster Bank said: “This year’s Spirit of Northern Ireland awards in partnership with Ulster Bank, have been another wonderful celebration of the people and organisations who make our communities extraordinary.
“Congratulations to all of this year’s winners, including Johnny and Corrina for their Overcoming Adversity award. Your achievements and sense of community spirit are truly remarkable, and we have all come away from this event feeling inspired."
Posting on social media, the McAleese’s said on the Noah’s Story Facebook page: “This recognition means so much to us – it gives us another opportunity to share Noah’s story and the difference his little life has made - and will continue to make - for other families.
"Noah’s Story is just about to turn one, and from the very beginning, we have been overwhelmed by the incredible kindness, goodwill and support behind the charity. We hope to build on that, reach even more families and continue making a positive difference in the years ahead.
"Thank you to everyone who has supported Noah’s Story and continues to walk alongside us. We will keep doing good things in Noah’s name, helping others and creating a lasting, beautiful legacy for Noah.”