‘A WEEKEND that they will never forget’, is how proud mum Wendy Haren described a trip that saw her 11-year-old son Patrick, who has a rare spinal condition, enjoy a trip to a world famous London toy store.
Patrick, who lives just outside Derrygonnelly, was diagnosed with severe ‘scoliosis’ as well as ‘kyphosis’ when he was younger, and the trip was a chance for him to meet with others with similar conditions – and enjoy a party at Hamley’s toy store.
Mum Wendy began a fund-raising campaign, and was overwhelmed at the support she got from family, friends – and people that she didn’t know in the county.
Patrick is a pupil at Killyhommon, Boho, and has three brothers and a sister.
He and his mum travelled to London during May, where he was among 60 children invited, all with similar conditions.
“I think we raised just under £1,100,” explained Wendy, “and we thank all who donated so, so much. It was just appreciated so much.”
“On the Saturday we arrived in London, we went to the National History Museum, and Patrick also got the chance to create his own M&Ms at the factory. We also went to Planet Hollywood for dinner which Patrick got a real buzz out of.”
The party took place on the Sunday morning, with boys dressing up as pirates and girls as princesses.
“He was very quiet at the start, when we first got there. He was a bit overwhelmed, but as the day went on he became more relaxed.
“The party was just amazing, they had everything: clowns, Disney characters, balloon modelling. It was a very special weekend that we’ll never forget.”
For now, Patrick is looking forward to finishing up school and enjoying the summer holidays, with memories of his trip to the toy store never to be forgotten.
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