BY Daniel Harkins | June 26 | 
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Awards for pupils who were inspired by siblings
Two pupils from St Ninian’s High in Giffnock have been rewarded with national Diana Awards after being inspired by their siblings to raise thousands of pounds for people with cerebral palsy and autism.
Michael O’Neill, 14, whose brother Dominic has cerebral palsy, has collected £115,000 over the last three years for charity Bobath Scotland, who provide specialist therapy for those with the disability, while Sinea O’Hara, 12, raised thousands of pounds for charities in thanks for the help they provided her brother Cormac, who has autism.
After being nominated by their school, the pupils have now been recognised for their efforts by the Diana Award charity—named after the Princess of Wales’—which recognises young people who make a difference in their community. The St Ninian’s pupils picked up their Fundraising Champion Awards at a ceremony held in London at Barclays Bank HQ in Canary Wharf.
Michael collected money for Bobath during football matches at Hampden Park and Celtic Park, and dressed up as a mascot for cup semi-finals held at the stadiums. When his dad cycled from Glasgow to Wales to raise money, Michael took part in the final leg, having prepared over the years by helping out at Bobath cycle fundraisers.
Michael’s mum Claire said that since he was a child he has always put his brother first.
“A lot of our time is spent with Dominic obviously but Michael just takes it in his stride,” she said. “He’s been very involved with Dominic since he was wee.
The young fundraiser was last year honoured with an award named after Fr Denis Reen, parish priest at St Joseph’s in Clarkston from 1973 until his death in 1980. Fr Reen fought for the establishment of a Catholic secondary school in Eastwood, with his efforts leading to the creation of St Ninian’s High. After his death, his family established a trust to each year honour St Ninian’s senior students who have helped to serve others.
Sinea received her Diana Award after collecting thousands of pounds for Scottish Autism, Cosgrove Care equine therapy, Harlequin Youth Theatre and Sands, the stillbirth and neonatal death charity.
Sinead’s mum Yvonne said her daughter was inspired to give back to the charities that have helped her older brother as well as those that helped the family of her cousin who died a few hours after being born.
“She is hugely compassionate about Cormac and his difficulties,” she said.
—This story ran in full in the June 26 edition print of the SCO, available in parishes.
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