UNA RECIEVES SPECIAL AWARD
Una receives special award
By: JOHN McCUSKER
A YOUNG student severely injured in the Omagh bomb was one of three teenagers from Northern Ireland who received AOL Child of Resolution Awards at a gala ceremony in London this week.
Una McGurk (15) was presented with the award by Eastenders star, Sean McGuire and Baroness David at St Bartholomew's Hospital in London on Monday.
Following the presentations, the teenager and her family were treated to a celebration tea party at the House of Commons before being taken on a guided tour of the city.
Una was chosen as a winner due to her determination to pursue her education - in spite of sustaining serious injuries in the explosion.
As a result, she spent weeks in Dundonald hospital undergoing skin grafts and still receives treatment and wears a mask to help the healing of facial injuries and burns.
Despite having her education disrupted by hospital attendances, she has still managed to keep her school work a priority and hopes to eventually work as a volunteer in deprived areas of the world.
Endorsing the awards, Prime Minister Tony Blair said the remarkable determination recipients had shown had singled them out as Children of Resolution.
"Your courage and resolve to attend school and carry on with your studies in the face of serious illness or injury is an inspiration to us all," he added.
Principal of St Brigid's High School, Geraldine McCormick who nominated Una for the award this week praised the young student's determination.
"I am delighted that Una has received this recognition," the principal said.
"She is due to sit her GCSEs this year and she has shown great courage in being able to fulfil her work at school.
"Una has also received a lot of help from her teachers who have looked after her throughout the past two years," she added.
By: JOHN McCUSKER
A YOUNG student severely injured in the Omagh bomb was one of three teenagers from Northern Ireland who received AOL Child of Resolution Awards at a gala ceremony in London this week.
Una McGurk (15) was presented with the award by Eastenders star, Sean McGuire and Baroness David at St Bartholomew's Hospital in London on Monday.
Following the presentations, the teenager and her family were treated to a celebration tea party at the House of Commons before being taken on a guided tour of the city.
Una was chosen as a winner due to her determination to pursue her education - in spite of sustaining serious injuries in the explosion.
As a result, she spent weeks in Dundonald hospital undergoing skin grafts and still receives treatment and wears a mask to help the healing of facial injuries and burns.
Despite having her education disrupted by hospital attendances, she has still managed to keep her school work a priority and hopes to eventually work as a volunteer in deprived areas of the world.
Endorsing the awards, Prime Minister Tony Blair said the remarkable determination recipients had shown had singled them out as Children of Resolution.
"Your courage and resolve to attend school and carry on with your studies in the face of serious illness or injury is an inspiration to us all," he added.
Principal of St Brigid's High School, Geraldine McCormick who nominated Una for the award this week praised the young student's determination.
"I am delighted that Una has received this recognition," the principal said.
"She is due to sit her GCSEs this year and she has shown great courage in being able to fulfil her work at school.
"Una has also received a lot of help from her teachers who have looked after her throughout the past two years," she added.
Further Information
Publisher: ULSTER HERALD
Ref: UH/1347
Published Date: 11-May-00
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