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Ballymagorry mum spells out why Knockavoe School means so much to her family

Thursday, 2 February 2012

Eugene McDaid who will be donating a percentage of the takings from his car wash on Woodend Road to a campaign to raise £100,000 for Knockavoe School and Resource Centre. GF0508AM

"IT'S my daughter's only source of having an independent life away from the family," Bridget McDaid said.
As the Ballymagorry mother gets geared up for a series of fundraisers for Knockavoe School, she explains why the Strabane school means so much to her family.
Two of her children, Gerard (12) and Michaela (17), attend Knockavoe School and Resource Centre, which caters for nearly 100 children and young adults with varying degrees of disabilities from its base next to the Melmount Road.
For Bridget and her children the school is a lifeline. It has played a vital role in the physical and personal development of Michaela, who suffers from cerebral palsy, and is already benefiting Gerard, who has autistic spectrum disorder, months into his enrolment.
Bridget said: "The school has done so much for Michaela. From increasing the strength she had and her self-esteem to helping her with every activity that she does in her daily life. Without it we would be lost."
Michaela, who has attended the school for the last six years, goes on regular day and overnight trips with staff and pupils.
These educational excursions now hang in the balance with the imminent loss of the school's bus amid government funding cuts.
The revelation spurred 'Friends of Knockavoe' to launch a campaign to raise £100,000, with which the school could buy its own bus and fund a therapeutic pool and spa.
Businesses, politicians and celebrities have all thrown their support behind the campaign.
Summer Ball
A summer ball in Strabane's Fir Trees Hotel in May is being supported by Tyrone GAA manager, Mickey Harte, and Sunderland boss, Martin O'Neill, who has been lined up to compere an auction on the night.
First and Deputy First Ministers, Peter Robinson and Martin McGuiness, are also expected to join Education Minister, John O'Dowd, Health Minister, Edwin Poots and local MLAs., such as Michaela Boyle, who has called for the support of the community, at the gala ball.
The Fir Trees Hotel is now donating a penny from every pound it makes until June to the school's cause, with a series of quiz nights and a guest tea event also planned.
Bridget and her husband, Eugene, are backing the effort with their own fundraising raffles and spot prizes. The couple will also donate a percentage of the takings from their carwash on Woodend Road to the cause.
Bridget added: "Michaela would be on every trip offered at the school because that's often her only outlet or source to be part of the community.
“It's her own independent time. She really enjoys them.
“Last Friday Gerard went to Ballygawley with the school, which was fantastic for him.
“It's vital that this money is raised. I am putting out an appeal to those who use the services at the school to help us, as well as raising the community's awareness of the school in a bid to raise more funds."

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