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Bunscoil Bheanna Boirche Bunkers Hill, Castlewellan

Ag Rith dár gCara Cian

30th Apr 2022

Tháinig daltaí agus teaghlaigh Rang 6 agus Rang 7 le chéile an tseachtain seo chun cuidiú le cara mór agus iardhalta dár gcuid, Cian Milligan. Chaith na páistí saoire na Cásca ag tiomsú airgid don Rith Urraithe a bhí againn Déardaoin sa pháirc fhoraoise i gCaisleán Uidhilín. Mar phobal scoile, táimid chomh bródúil as ár bpáistí as na hiarrachtaí speisialta a rinne siad Déardaoin, agus as ár dteaghlaigh don tacaíocht a thug siad don chúis mhaith seo.

Our Rang 6/7 pupils and families came together this week to help our good friend and past pupil, Cian Milligan. The pupils spent the Easter break raising money for our sponsored run which we did on Thursday in Castlewellan Forest Park. As a school community, we're so proud of our pupils for the special efforts they made on Thursday, and to our families of course for the incredible support they've given to this very worthy cause.

The day was made even more special as our pupils were greeted by Cian himself on the finishing line. It was a truly special afternoon and I'm very happy to say that we'll be donating £1575 to Cian's Journey on behalf of Rang 6/7 pupils and families.

I want to thank you all whole-heartedly for the support you've given, be it as part of this fundraising event or in your own individual donations and events. Finally, I'd like to thank Mrs. Siobhán Grant for writing up the lovely article below which really encapsulates the community spirit of our wonderful school.

 

It wasn't that long ago that Cian Milligan donned the navy and green of Bunscoil Bheanna Boirche as an energetic, athletic and fun loving young boy. Though tragedy struck in October 2020, in a road traffic collision on the way to school and now Cian is fully reliant on those around him as he continues life, wheelchair bound and facing the challenges of life with complex needs.

This requires around the clock care and costly adaptations to be made to Cian’s home.

Recently the whole community has come together to support the family's call to Bring Cian Home. As a past pupil of Bunscoil Bheanna Boirche, the school naturally answered that call with a Sponsored Fun Run on Thursday 28th April around Castlewellan Lake, on the 10th Anniversary of the Daily Mile that the school are advocates of.

The Primary 6 and Primary 7 pupils gathered on an what had been an overcast day on the banks of Castlewellan Castle, very aware of the task in hand and why they were doing it.

They were running for a cause close to home. Even closer for P6 pupil Isabella Carson, who is Cian’s cousin.

With over 30 pupils setting off just before 2pm, some moving at the speed of light and taking the opportunity to add in another training session whilst others were just enjoying the occasion utilising the opportunity to be out of the classroom.

With the school’s Athletics NI Endurance Squad runner, Maisie McVeigh leading the pack, crossing the finish in 16 minutes. Over the next half an hour each child crossed the line to rapturous applause from parents, siblings, park users and as the afternoon sun finally broke through the trees, Cian arrived to support them at the finish line.

Speaking with some of the pupils who had only heard and read about Cian, the realisation that Cian sat in the same seats as them, kicked a football around their yard and once ran like they had just done, hit home.

His arrival was akin to that of a Celebrity, a shining pillar of hope, resilience, strength and determination, all exemplary qualities that the young pupils of Bunscoil Bheanna Boirche aim to embody.

Surrounded by family, friends and a united school community, the pupils learned that we are always there for one another in the good times and also during our time of need, even when you have long moved on from Primary School. It was an honour and privilege to be able to contribute £1575 to Cian’s Journey and as a school community we look forward to hearing he is home.