WATCH: Young people given awards for fundraising efforts during COVID-19

By Q Radio News

Four young people have been awarded with superhero certificates after their fundraising efforts for healthcare staff in the South Eastern Healthcare Trust during COVID-19.

Maddie Keenan, aged 8 from Clifton Road, Bangor, and her 5 year old brother Tommy, sat at their garden gate almost every single day during Covid-19 and offered to draw “pichers” for people passing by, for 10p a time.

Maddie said in her letter to Chief Executive Seamus McGoran that lots of people gave them more than 10p, and she sent a cheque for £40 to thank NHS staff for “keeping people safe”.

Her mother Corinna said Maddie loves drawing and had used both her creative and entrepreneurial skills to set up a flourishing “business” which paid dividends for health staff.

Joel Baines from East Belfast also wrote to Mr McGoran saying “Here are my savings. Love Joel, age 5” . He was delighted to get a letter from the “big boss” of the South Eastern Trust thanking him for donating his life savings of £5 to our staff.

Maddie and Joel’s letters are now taking pride of place on the wall of the Chief Executive’s office, and he was delighted to welcome them to Trust HQ to thank them in person and present their certificates.

Mr McGoran said: “Our staff went the extra mile looking after people during the first surge of Covid-19. It is very touching to see that children as young as this appreciated their efforts. On behalf of our staff, I would like to thank them for being super heroes.”

L to R Tommy and Maddie Keenan, Joel and Sarah Barnes  with Barbara Campbell, Director of Childrens Services, Nicki Patterson, Director of Nursing and Seamus McGoran, Chief Executive of South Eastern Trust

In her letter, Maddie wrote:

"Hi NHS. My name is Maddie. I came up with this really good idea that I draw people pichers for only 10p. My brother and I razed a lot of money for you. The travellers of people that came past saw our sine. Now they gave us more than 10p.

We hope your well and keeping people safe.

Love from

Maddie xoxo

I will give you one off my drawings!'