Fermanagh Rose Aoife McCann
THE Fermanagh Rose, Aoife McCann has just returned from “a life changing experience” after volunteering for a week in Belarus.
Aoife, from Maguiresbridge, and 18 of her fellow roses and escorts travelled over to Vesnova Childrens Mental Asylum.
Children with physical disabilities, cognitive issues and more stemming from the 1986 accident at the nuclear power plant are sent to the Vesnova Children’s Mental Asylum. The facility is funded by the Irish-based charity Chernobyl Children International, which gets an annual boost from the contestants in the Rose of Tralee.
The state instituition is home to over 170 children who are suffering, either directly or indirectly, as a result of the nuclear tragedy that happened there 30 years ago this April.
During her visit, 19-year-old Aoife spent her time bringing smiles and love to all the kids as they suffer badly from the lack of one to one attention.
Some of the roses have medical backgrounds and they were able to help deal with some of the important health issues over there.
The children suffer from a vast range of different health problems including severe deformities, Downs Syndrome and Cerebyl Palsy.
Aoife returned from the trip on Sunday night and told the Fermanagh Herald that it had been “an absolutely fantastic opportunity”.
“I had always wanted to go abroad and volunteer so I jumped at the opportunity to go to Belarus. When you see the change that you can make to the lives of the children, it makes it all seem worthwhile,” she said.
The Queen’s University law student helped feed and treat the children in a loving manner which she said the children are not accustomed to.
“A few of the roses definitely fell in love with some of the children so it was very difficult for them to leave them behind. I tried to put up a barrier and not become too attached so that it would be easier to leave but even that was a challenge at times,” she said.
As a group, the roses raised over £40,000 to be used for the children in the instituition and this will play a massive part in providing basic health care to help and comfort the suffering children. They also brought over suitcases packed with supplies from simple medical items to toys and clothes.
Aoife’s year as Fermanagh Rose doesn’t end until June and she’s still got a busy diary ahead on top of her legal studies including the annual trip to New York for St Patrick’s Day.
“I’ve been to New York before but it will be a completely different experience being there for St Patrick’s Day and I’ll very proud to represent Fermanagh at the event,” Aoife added.
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