Brave message in
a baton
 Neil Adley, a 14-year-old from Crumlan in County Antrim, who represents Northern Ireland’s Horizon Hospice, sailed to Troon courtesy of P&O, who kindly provided free sailing for him and his family.
He made the first hand-over to
10-year-old local lad Richard Toner who received it on behalf of Robin House, the new hospice being built with money raised by Sunday Post readers.
Neil, who suffers from muscular dystrophy, and Richard, who has brittle bone disease, were clearly thrilled to start the momentous journey. It was also a poignant moment for both sets of parents looking on.
Grateful
Richard’s mum, Shirley, explained, “Richard and the family have been using Rachel House for five years and we are extremely grateful for all the work and support they’ve given us, so it’s an honour
to be able to give something back.
“Richard’s condition is not degenerative but we’ve known since he was born that he’ll not make it to adulthood so every day with him is really precious. He’s such a lively, inquisitive boy and so full of life.
“And that’s what you find at Rachel House.
“It’s not a sad place. The emphasis is on making the most of what you have. It’s a humbling experience just to go there.
“I hope the symbolic significance of this event can help raise awareness of the good work done there, and in turn the need to raise funds for places like Robin House.”
Richard explained he will pen a message telling the Olympic team that he wants them to win as Neil proudly handed over the baton.
His dad, James, said, “Neil’s been really excited about today so that took the sting out of the 6 am rise
— it’s a proud day for all of us.
“Our son Steven had the same condition as Neil. He died in January at the age of 21, which was very hard, but it makes the message being put across today all the more important to us.
Courage
“We hope the baton going across Britain will raise awareness of not only the good work children’s hospices do and the need to support them, but also of the courage of the children themselves.
“Kids like Neil are like any other children, but the difference is they have to face and deal with extremely hard situations.”
Yvonne Caie, Deputy Head of Care at Robin House, will carry the baton on to Rachel House where children will put messages of good luck inside. From there it will be passed on to St Oswald’s Children’s Hospice in Newcastle and continue south with teams expected to row, cycle and run with the good luck messages for the Olympians.
Yvonne enthused, “I’m sure these messages from children from hospices across the country will provide all the extra drive our Olympians need to succeed.” |
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Yvonne Caie and Roz Neeley from CHAS 
