CHURCH LEADERS GIVES HOPE TO PARENTS of CHILDREN WITH CEREBRAL PALSY

His Eminence Cardinal Sean Brady, The Most Revd Alan Harper OBE, Rev Dr Donald Patton , Rev. Aian Ferguson and Mrs Ildiko Veres, Principal with Buddy Bear.
  
The leaders of the four main Churches meet with some children suffering from cerebral palsy from the Buddy Bear School, their parents and some supporters in the Synod Rooms at St Patrick’s Cathedral (Roman Catholic) Armagh on Wednesday 8th April at 10.45am for 11.00am.

The Church leaders signed the Triangle of Hope photograph which had been signed by their colleagues 20 years earlier.

“The parents have had to cope with all the worries and anxieties of trying to help their child with cerebral palsy and to help raise funds to keep the school open.  It is a terrible burden for young parents whose lives changed forever when their child was born. The Church leaders will do as they think best to help our very special children.  Their support helped lift their heavy burden if only for a little while as we have to raise funds until OFMDFM helps.” Said Brendan McConville, Chairman

The Triangle of Hope Photo was signed by the Church leaders.  (Miss Veres, Principal in photo)

Terence Charles with Most Rev. Alan Harper

Terence with Rev Dr. Donald Patton

Terence Charles talks to Church leaders about his struggle for independence and his hopes for the Buddy Bear School

We need a joined up Government approach to meet the real needs of children with cerebral palsy and special needs. Surely with the £1.9 billion spent on Education and the billions in the Health budget there is £250 k available to implement the resolution of the Assembly of 18 Feb. 2008 that That this Assembly supports conductive education and commends the Buddy Bear School, Dungannon, to the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minister and the Minister of Education for financial support and assistance”.

Mrs Honour Hawthorn, Armagh Bands Forum with Joanne McBride and friend from St Patrick’s Academy Dungannon with Cardinal Sean Brady.

The Armagh Bands Forum invited Buddy Bear to meet young people and band members at band parades in Killylea and Markethill.

Cardinal Brady with Mr Bell and son Robbie who took his first step past Christmas at the Buddy Bear School.  Robbie attends a local Special School and attends the Buddy Bear School on a part time basis.

Cardinal Brady with Mrs Murphy, Daniel and Brendan McConville

Mr Peter McDonald, Principal and Manager of the famous Armagh GAA team with some of the pupils from Mullaghbawn PS who support Buddy Bear with Miss Veres and Cardinal Brady

The President and Vice President of the Students Union of Stranmillis College with Terence and Daniel.

President Andrew Curry and his fellow students organized fund raising events to support Buddy Bear.

Andrew and his colleagues are aware of the importance of early intervention in meeting the needs of children with cerebral palsy and other children with special needs.