Joy for Jamie at Phoenix ADHD

Jamie O’Neill, who attends St Colum’s Primary School, was chosen as the inaugural winner from 36 children aged eight to 18, at the Phoenix ADHD Project in Coleraine.

Jamie attended the Project’s base at Ballycastle Road last Tuesday afternoon with his grandad Seamus where he was congratulated by Angie’s mother, Maria Rankin and brother David Rankin, the Editor of The Coleraine Times.

“The Phoenix ADHD Project meant a lot to my sister and she would be very proud to see this plaque on the wall, named in her memory and little Jamie being named as the first winner,” said David.

“On behalf of my family I wish to thank Kaye McCormack and her team for introducing this award on Angie’s behalf and commend them for the outstanding work they continue to do for children with ADHD and their families in the area.”

Congratulating Jamie and his grandparents Seamus and Eileen, Kaye Cormack said: “Jamie was a unanimous winner, voted by all the staff and volunteers, because of all the individual targets that he achieved over the year. He is doing very well.”

Kaye also paid tribute to Angie’s enthusiasm and commitment to Phoenix.

She said: “We were moved at the time of Angie’s funeral that donations in lieu of flowers were for the Project and wanted therefore to have something in her memory as a fixture in the office which would also benefit the young people.

“Young people with ADHD rarely get cups or awards and when they receive the medals at the achievement award a number of them say it is the first time they have ever had anything like it.

“I remember that Angie had organised for two of the lads to go on the Fire Brigade Life Scheme and I attended the award ceremony on the Friday with her.

“She was so enthusiastic and emotional at seeing those young lads get the award and with all the positive things they said about them.”

Phoenix ADHD programmes for young people with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder are once again in full swing with after schools activities being held four afternoons a week.

Phoenix Youths meet on a Tuesday night and are currently completing an OCN Level 2 Peer Leadership course being facilitated by CRUN. The next Positive Parenting Programme for parents with young people with ADHD will commence after Easter.

The Project receives 80% of its funding requirements under the BIG Lottery Empowering Young People Programme but still continues to raise funds for the remainder of their current programme costs. Such is the demand for the project, funds are being sought to develop an ADHD specific Youth Mentoring Programme.

A fund-raising abseil is being held at Fairhead near Ballycastle on Sunday, March 11 from 1pm.

There are still 15 places available and anyone interested in abseiling either for fun, for their charity or for Phoenix ADHD Project should contact the office on 028 7000 2050 or email [email protected] for forms and details.

The booking fee of £36 will be refunded for anyone who raises a minimum of £80 for the project.

Looking ahead, a fundraising dinner is being held in the Best Western Magherabuoy House Hotel on Friday, May 11 at 7.30pm with entertainment being provided by New Moon followed with a disco by Top Mark Entertainment.

The evening will include an auction with items such as a Liverpool shirt signed by Jamie Carragher, a Manchester United shirt signed by Michael Carrick, a signed Ulster Rugby shirt, Royal Portrush golf tickets and much more, as well as a raffle with some excellent prizes. Tickets are £25 and can be obtained from Phoenix ADHD Project office.

For more information about ADHD or Phoenix ADHD Project contact the office, which is located at 1 Ballycastle Road, Coleraine or phone 028 7000 2050.