Carrick girl appointed Youth Ambassador for Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice

Madison Wright from Carrickfergus has become the first Youth Ambassador for Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice as part of Children’s Hospice Week.
Madison Wright.Madison Wright.
Madison Wright.

Children’s Hospice Week (June 22-28) is an opportunity to raise awareness of the charity and its vital care services for over 370 families across Northern Ireland.

Madison (12) has raised more than £15,000 for Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice since she began fundraising in 2018; organising coffee mornings, head-shaves, and non-uniform days in school, among various other activities.

Madison said: “I’m really pleased to become the first Youth Ambassador for Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice. Horizon House is a very special place for babies and children who need special care and I’ve seen this with Gracie and Noah.

“I am excited about this role; I know it’ll be fun, especially during Children’s Hospice Week.

“There are lots of activities planned that I‘ll be joining during the virtual fun day on Friday.”

Grace Stewart, Head of Children’s Hospice said: “We thought this would be a lovely way to begin Children’s Hospice Week. Madison is an inspiration to us all at Hospice; she became part of our family through her friendship with Gracie and Noah Coates.

“Gracie and Noah have stayed with us at Horizon House over the years, however Noah, sadly died last summer of a rare neurological condition.

“Madison has a real insight into the care services of Children’s Hospice and how we help the families we work with. Her compassion and drive to help others has meant that she has already made a big difference for Children’s Hospice. We’re delighted that she has agreed to be our Youth Ambassador.”

Heather Weir, Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Hospice and Children’s Hospice added: “We are all dealing with the impact of the coronavirus and none so much as the families that we care for, living with a child with complex needs can be extremely isolating, especially at the moment.

“We are so grateful for all the support we have already received, we hope our stories during this week will help people understand what our care means and how important it is to help the families that need this support.”

East Antrim UUP MLA Roy Beggs joined with the Deputy Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Cllr Andrew Wilson, to congratulate Madison on becoming Youth Ambassador for the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice.

Mr Beggs said: “Well done to local Carrickfergus campaigner Madison Wright on becoming the first ever Youth Ambassador for the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice.

“She has proven to be a tireless advocate for the Children’s Hospice over a number of years and has raised thousands of pounds to support the vital work of the Charity. Her fundraising exploits have benefited the Children’s Hospice palliative care work assisting terminally ill children, and by providing a support network for their families from all over Northern Ireland.”

Cllr Wilson added: “Madison is a superstar fundraiser - she has devoted so much time and effort to champion for the Children’s Hospice so her new position is richly deserved. It should be a source of local pride that the first ever Youth Ambassador is from our very own Carrickfergus.”

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