Mum's surprise 50th helps Make-A-Wish Foundation

A CONNOR woman whose ill son was granted a special wish by the UK's leading wishgranting charity has said thank you with the proceeds from a very unique birthday bash.

Irene Andrew recently presented a cheque for 750 to Make-A-Wish Foundation UK, raised through a charitable surprise birthday party held in her honour of her 50th birthday.

In lieu of gifts, guests to Irene’s 50th were asked by her sister, Sheila McCaughey, to make donations to Make-A-Wish, the charity that grants magical wishes to children and young people fighting life threatening illnesses, as she knew that is what Irene would prefer.

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Irene and John Andrew lost their eldest son David almost eight years ago to bone cancer.

David was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in 1999, aged 11, shortly after complaining of a sore knee while out playing. After undergoing chemotherapy, radiotherapy and multiple operations, he was forced to have his leg amputated.

When David was referred to Make-A-Wish to have his wish granted, he asked for his very own quad bike which, following the amputation, became a lifeline and an independent means of transport.

Irene and David were so grateful for the happiness the quad bike had given their son that on his death they donated his 2,000 in savings to the charity.

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Irene said: "David hated his artificial limb – all he wanted was to be left alone on his wee quad.

"He was quite quiet but whenever he buzzed past on his quad bike he would wave to me and smile. It made me so happy to see him so happy.

"From then on I vowed that I would always support Make-A-Wish Foundation UK.

"When my husband had his 50th in 2005, I held a big surprise party for him in our local community centre. We had a raffle, auction and Irish dancers and raised over 2,300 for Make-A-Wish.

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"Over 70 people attended my 50th, which was amazing, because it was the first birthday party I had ever had. There was a big cake, a raffle and someone from Larne playing old-time tunes.

"I want to thank my sister for throwing the party and all the guests who gave so generously as it means such a lot to make someone happy – especially a child with a life-threatening illness."

Irene and John have vowed to keep fundraising. In the next month, Irene hopes to organise a cooking party, with demonstrations from The Pampered Chef UK Ltd, and give all the proceeds to Make-A-Wish.

There are currently 20,000 children and young people in the UK fighting a life-threatening illness. This year alone around 1,000 children will turn to Make-A-Wish to experience the magic of a Make-A-Wish wish. To grant all these Make-A-Wish needs to raise at least 5 million each year.

To refer a child for a special wish or make a donation, please contact Make-A-Wish on 01276 40 50 60 or visit www.make-a-wish.org.uk