Nine of this year's William Keown Awards which are presented to people, young and old, who have demonstrated courage in the face of adversity, usually ill-health related, or who have shown an 'above and beyond the call of duty' attitude to those in need have gone to Fermanagh people.
One of them, Matthew Graham, Ballagh Road, Fivemiletown, was born with a serious heart problem together with other complications so severe that he was flown directly from the maternity ward to Guy's Hospital in London.
He was joined on the podium by - Patrick Haren, Drumanure, Derrygonnelly; Georgia Maxwell, Clare View, Kesh; Lisa Meehan, Chanterhill, Enniskillen; Jenna Wheeler, Abbey View, Maguiresbridge; Conor Patterson, Druminisill Road, Florencecourt; Eugenia McCusker, Flax Valley, Irvinestown; Sarah Jayne and Lloyd Johnston, Clones Road, Newtownbutler, and Teresa McManus, Carrenbeg, Belleek.
Since 2004, Matthew Graham has undergone open heath surgery in three occasions together with other operations for different conditions. His parent are extremely proud of his bravery and courage and are naturally delighted that he is now able to take part in most activities. His love of company and his bubbly personality amazes everyone who meets him.
Patrick Haren has had to contend with enormous physical difficulties. In September 2006, following spinal surgery, he was paralysed from the waist down, but amazed everybody by walking again four months later. Although mobility is still a problem, he managed to overcome all his difficulties to enrol in Primary One last September. He fully participates in all the class activities. Everyone in his community has been touched by Patrick's courage. They find his zest and enthusiasm for rural life truly inspirational, and he motivates everyone by his sheer courage and determination.
Georgia Maxwell has had to learn to walk again on three separate occasions following a number of operations. Despite continuous setbacks and the prospect of further operations, she remains cheerful, full of life and strives for her independence. Georgia had a speaking part in the school Christmas production, walking on stage much to her parents' surprise and delight. Georgia is a very popular girl in her class, and she is a leader of activities with her group of friends. She is determined not to let her present disability prevent her from doing what she wants, or from being treated the same as her peers.
Lisa Meehan was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis as a baby and, as a result has grown accustomed to long daily therapy, gruelling treatment and regular stays in hospital to try to keep her illness under control. Every three months, she has to attend hospital for up to two weeks for intensive physiotherapy and intravenous antibiotics. Lisa is an avid reader who loves to socialise when able. She is a beautiful, caring young lady who sees the good in everybody. Despite her illness, Lisa never complains, accepting her illness as being part of her life and, she tries to overcome every hurdle as she meets it.
Jenna Wheeler developed a benign brain tumour in 2005 and had to undergo major surgery. She has since resumed school and participates fully in activities, both academic and physical, even though she is still suffering after effects. Jenna enjoys reading and drawing and chatting to her friends. She loves working with young children, and plans to be a classroom assistant when she leaves school. Jenna is a happy young girl who always shows great courage in everything she does.
Conor was not able to attend he awards ceremony, but his teacher, Mary Cullen, collected the award on his behalf.
Conor was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2007, and spent three months in the Haematology Unit at the Royal Victoria Hospital for Sick Children. He was transferred to Bristol at the beginning of March where he underwent a bone marrow transplant. Conor is a member of the Belnaleck under-10 Gaelic Football Club and would one day like to play for Fermanagh. He is also a very keen Liverpool supporter and hopes one day to see them play at Anfield.
Eugenia McCusker was awarded the 'CE Stevenson Cup'. She is a Primary Six pupil who has lost the power of her left arm through cancer. She has been extremely brave and courageous throughout her various setbacks which included extreme periods of sickness as chemotherapy drugs reacted against her system.
Eugenia loves football, but has had to forego this activity to ensure that her healing can fully take place. Her treatment meant that her mother had to give up work. They spent long periods of time away from the rest of the family due to Eugenia's hospitalisation.
The Junior Carers Award went to sister and brother, Sarah Jayne and Lloyd Johnston, Clones Road, Newtownbutler.
Their mother, Heather was badly injured in an ambulance crash in the aftermath of the Omagh bomb. The children were aged seven and two at the time. Throughout their mother's ongoing periods of hospitalisation, they have been a tower of strength to both her and their father, Noel. All through the years, they have both applied themselves to their studies and pursuits with great energy and enthusiasm, achieving excellent grades in their transfer tests.
Lloyd has progressed to take up an apprenticeship, and Sarah attends Enniskillen Collegiate Grammar School.
The care and love that Teresa McManus, Carrenbeg, Belleek gives to her daughter, Joanne is without bounds, and secured her the Carer's Award.
Joanne has Down's Syndrome which is complicated by scoliosis of the spine, blindness, being unable to communicate, immobility and having a very poor swallow reflex which means she has to be fed very slowly.
Teresa brings Joanne everywhere with her and gives her the ultimate care and respect for everyday needs. Teresa is a naturally a happy, outgoing person, and makes sure Joanne is always entertained with music to keep her from getting frustrated.
The total devotion she has given to Joanne for almost 30 years is selfless and full of love.
