Three year old Olly Cartmill, from Newry, who received a life-saving kidney transplant from his granny Michelle, has inspired the boys and girls of Bessbrook Primary School to raise the fantastic sum of £312.50 to help support local people living with kidney disease.
The cheque was presented to living kidney donor and Kidney Care UK Ambassador Jo-Anne Dobson at the school recently by Principal, Mrs Hunter, and children from the School Council representing all year groups.
Commenting Mrs Hunter said: “Olly’s Great Aunt Joyce told us all about the work of Kidney Care UK and the great support which they have been to Olly’s parents Dionne and Neil and the family as they go through their journey with kidney disease.
“We were thrilled to hear the news that he had received a kidney transplant from Michelle and that he is a healthier and happier little boy than he was when he was on nightly dialysis.
“As a school we are keen to continue our support for local causes which help people at difficult times in their lives. Last Christmas, instead of giving their teachers presents, our pupils made donations towards Kidney Care UK because we were so inspired by little Olly’s story.
“It was an honour to join with our student council members, including Olly’s cousin Arthur, to present this cheque to Mrs Dobson to help families like Olly’s at some of the most difficult times in their lives.”
Commenting Jo-Anne said: “Olly is a little fighter who throughout his kidney journey has been inspiring people across the country to learn about and support people living with kidney disease.
“We are delighted that, in response to Olly’s story, the boys and girls at Bessbrook Primary School worked together to raise this amazing amount to help us to continue to support local people affected by kidney disease.
“It was a privilege to visit the school and meet with some of the pupils as well as Mrs Hunter and her staff and I thank them all from the bottom of my heart.
“None of the dedicated services we provide to people living with kidney disease would be possible without the terrific support we receive from the heart of the local community and that’s why it was truly humbling to receive this cheque from the boys and girls.
“Thank you to the children, parents and staff at Bessbrook Primary School for standing with us in our mission to ensure that no one faces kidney disease alone.
“Please think about Organ Donation and have that family conversation, because we all have it in us to become a life-saver.”
