DRUMQUIN FAMILY MEET THEIR WEE SISTER FROM ROMANIA
Drumquin family setting out to meet their 'wee sister' from Romania
By JACQUELINE COURTNEY
A REMARKABLE teenager, who stands as a shining example to her young peers, will be re-united next week with a little Romanian girl whom she fondly calls her "wee sister".
Embarking on her mission of mercy this Sunday and, a reunion with her twelve year old Romanian friend is Shauna Skelton from Drumquin. She will be accompanied by her father, Kevin, on her charitable week long voyage.
Fifteen year old Shauna, from Drumquin, who attends the Loreto Grammar School in Omagh, just can't wait until the weekend when she flies out to see her adopted friend, Andrea (12).
She is continuing on with the close links which her late mother, Mena, forged with the little Romanian girl...which now continue to flourished, just as her mother would have wanted.
Tragically Shauna's mother was one of the many killed in the Omagh bomb, over two years ago.
Now Shauna and her dad, Kevin, are stepping into her shoes to ensure a better quality of life for Andrea and children in orphanages out in Romania.
On Monday of this week, Shauna spoke of her first hand experience of Romania to over 100 first-year students in her school. She had visited the impoverished country on two previous occasions and with her finger very much on the pulse she recalled her vivid experiences to the other pupils.
Not looking forward to her ordeal ahead - speaking in public to so many pupils - Shauna did herself, and her family, proud as she pulled of one of her finest talks to raise funds. The public talk highlighted the urgent need for cash in Romania and the things most needed in the many orphanages out there. It was also in preparation to woo support for the school's planned pageant, organised for Halloween. The proceeds will be presented to Shauna for Romania, tomorrow Friday.
The little Romanian girl has spent a few enjoyable holidays at the Skelton home and has now become one of the family. Over two years ago she spent a three week summer holiday with them. She had just recently returned home before the car bomb exploded in the town's Market Street.
Shauna, who was also injured in the bomb and her father, will be staying for a week working at their own expense on behalf of the North West Rumanian Fund.
"I just can't wait until I see Andrea again" the 15 year old told the Herald this week. She also revealed, that Andrea would be coming over again at Christmas to spend it with her family.
With her father she plans to visit a number of orphanages in different regions of Romania. Here they will distribute toiletries and toys to the children. The children are aged from four up to 18 years in each of the orphanages they will visit.
They will also visit Fagaras' only orphanage for girls - where upwards on 120 young females are housed.
Shauna explained that Andrea, had been in an orphanage because her mother could not afford to keep her. However she was now living at home made possible because of the Fund's financial help.
The Skeltons are raising money for the orphanage in Fagaras to build 20 rooms, each holding four girls. The Fund has already provided for the building of a house that holds over 40 children.
The need for accommodation has become more urgent as the orphanage faces eviction from the building where it is principally, housed. Descendants of the family who owned the main building before the communists took power in Romania have returned. They have given the orphanage a year to find another home.
"Because we are travelling by plane, we unfortunately can't bring all that we would have liked to take over with us," said Shauna.
However she plans to take face paints and unused Halloween stock at cost price from local stores to brightened up the young orphans lives.
DONATIONS
Shauna and Kevin are appealing for donations to either of two addresses, Sterling donation to the North West Romanian Fund, Account No 37841189, Ulster Bank, High Street, Omagh or to Kevin Skelton, 3 McCrea Park, Drumquin.
By JACQUELINE COURTNEY
A REMARKABLE teenager, who stands as a shining example to her young peers, will be re-united next week with a little Romanian girl whom she fondly calls her "wee sister".
Embarking on her mission of mercy this Sunday and, a reunion with her twelve year old Romanian friend is Shauna Skelton from Drumquin. She will be accompanied by her father, Kevin, on her charitable week long voyage.
Fifteen year old Shauna, from Drumquin, who attends the Loreto Grammar School in Omagh, just can't wait until the weekend when she flies out to see her adopted friend, Andrea (12).
She is continuing on with the close links which her late mother, Mena, forged with the little Romanian girl...which now continue to flourished, just as her mother would have wanted.
Tragically Shauna's mother was one of the many killed in the Omagh bomb, over two years ago.
Now Shauna and her dad, Kevin, are stepping into her shoes to ensure a better quality of life for Andrea and children in orphanages out in Romania.
On Monday of this week, Shauna spoke of her first hand experience of Romania to over 100 first-year students in her school. She had visited the impoverished country on two previous occasions and with her finger very much on the pulse she recalled her vivid experiences to the other pupils.
Not looking forward to her ordeal ahead - speaking in public to so many pupils - Shauna did herself, and her family, proud as she pulled of one of her finest talks to raise funds. The public talk highlighted the urgent need for cash in Romania and the things most needed in the many orphanages out there. It was also in preparation to woo support for the school's planned pageant, organised for Halloween. The proceeds will be presented to Shauna for Romania, tomorrow Friday.
The little Romanian girl has spent a few enjoyable holidays at the Skelton home and has now become one of the family. Over two years ago she spent a three week summer holiday with them. She had just recently returned home before the car bomb exploded in the town's Market Street.
Shauna, who was also injured in the bomb and her father, will be staying for a week working at their own expense on behalf of the North West Rumanian Fund.
"I just can't wait until I see Andrea again" the 15 year old told the Herald this week. She also revealed, that Andrea would be coming over again at Christmas to spend it with her family.
With her father she plans to visit a number of orphanages in different regions of Romania. Here they will distribute toiletries and toys to the children. The children are aged from four up to 18 years in each of the orphanages they will visit.
They will also visit Fagaras' only orphanage for girls - where upwards on 120 young females are housed.
Shauna explained that Andrea, had been in an orphanage because her mother could not afford to keep her. However she was now living at home made possible because of the Fund's financial help.
The Skeltons are raising money for the orphanage in Fagaras to build 20 rooms, each holding four girls. The Fund has already provided for the building of a house that holds over 40 children.
The need for accommodation has become more urgent as the orphanage faces eviction from the building where it is principally, housed. Descendants of the family who owned the main building before the communists took power in Romania have returned. They have given the orphanage a year to find another home.
"Because we are travelling by plane, we unfortunately can't bring all that we would have liked to take over with us," said Shauna.
However she plans to take face paints and unused Halloween stock at cost price from local stores to brightened up the young orphans lives.
DONATIONS
Shauna and Kevin are appealing for donations to either of two addresses, Sterling donation to the North West Romanian Fund, Account No 37841189, Ulster Bank, High Street, Omagh or to Kevin Skelton, 3 McCrea Park, Drumquin.
Further Information
Publisher: ULSTER HERALD
Ref: UH/1514
Published Date: 26-Oct-00
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