GAA clubs and schools are to stage a special fundraiser this month in memory of an 11-year-old schoolboy who passed away in hospital in February.
John Joe Toner was a Primary 7 pupil of St Malachy’s Primary School in Ballymoyer.
He lost his fight for life in the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast on St Valentine’s Day, five days after unexpectedly collapsing at school.
John Joe had a heart condition and his family had received support from the Children’s Heartbeat Trust throughout his all-too-short life.
In his last days, the charity gave his little brother a special teddy bear through which he was able to record a message for John Joe.
The charity was fantastic throughout and continues to maintain contact with John Joe’s parents, Maria and Cormac; the work which they do with so many families is both necessary and comforting.
Now his school and local community want to help support the charity as it works to help others as it did John Joe and his family.
The schoolboy was a big GAA fan and played in the Cumann na mBunscol Blitzes for St Malachy’s Primary and his club, Clady GFC.
Now his school is organising this charity match which will see an All Stars team take on a ‘Best of the Rest’ side next Saturday, June 24.
The match will be played at St Killian’s GFC’s ground in Whitecross and will feature a few guest appearances too!
It is due to start at 6pm and, during halftime, John Joe’s school, St Malachy’s, will take on St Michael’s Primary in Clady.
All of the proceeds from this fantastic event will go to the Children’s Heartbeat Trust and there will also be a raffle.
Anyone who would like to make a donation or offer a prize for the raffle can contact Justin Toner on 3750 7428 or email jtoner775@c2kni.net
All are welcome to come along so please do show your support for this brilliant charity in memory of a much-loved and sadly-missed little boy.
