BY NUALA McALOON
Five-year-old Patrick Haren from Drumanure outside Derrygonnelly enjoyed a fun-packed day on Monday when he had a special wish granted by the Make-A-Wish Foundation UK. The charity grants magical wishes to children and young people fighting life-threatening illnesses.
Patrick, the youngest of five siblings, was born with a rare and undiagnosed condition that means his life expectancy and future health remains uncertain.
Following a normal pregnancy for his mother, Wendy, Patrick was born a completely flat baby. As a result, he suffers from multiple skeleton difficulties and serious deformities.
He has severe scoliosis, a condition that involves complex lateral and rotational curvature and deformity of the spine. He also has two disfigured hips and deformed feet.
Patrick uses a wheelchair and, while he finds it hard to manage in an unknown outside location, he can walk comfortably in his classroom and family environment.
But despite his health and mobility problems, Patrick is known by his family and friends at Killyhommon Primary School, Boho for always remaining upbeat. Described by his mother as, 'a little miracle', one of his biggest achievements to date was last September when he conquered all the odds to start school.
Patrick's special wish was to have his very own 360 X-Box and a big TV in his bedroom so that he can keep playing, even on the days when he is not so well.
And, for weeks now, Patrick has been telling his mother Wendy, and all his teachers at school that he will be getting his special Xbox, with two controls so he can play with his brothers Peter, Michael and Declan, and sister Emma.
So, on Monday, when Patrick came home from school he found that his bedroom had been transformed, with a big Sony TV on his wall, and his Xbox ready to go. There were Indiana Jones and Star Wars games, and vouchers to shop for more games to play with!
On Monday evening, Patrick and his family were collected by limousine, and treated like VIPs during their journey to The Three Way Inn, where Patrick got to pick whatever he wanted from the menu.
Speaking after his special day Patrick said, "This is the best wish ever, and this is exactly the Xbox and games I wanted, and I will be able to get more games so I can invite my friends around to play! When the big car came into our street, it was brilliant and I had great fun with all my family."
Meanwhile, Lesley Johnston, Regional Manager for Make-A-Wish Northern Ireland said they were delighted to grant Patrick's special wish.
"He had the most wonderful day with his new Xbox and TV, and of course a wonderful family night out which was full of magical memories for the Haren family.
"We work across Northern Ireland. Last year, we granted 36 wishes, and this year we are on target to deliver 50. But, we cannot do this without local groups who fundraise for us, and supportive individuals who give up their time to volunteer for us!
"I would like to thank Reilly's Electrical, Prestige Wedding Cars and The Three Way Inn for helping us to grant Patrick's magical wish.''
