LISTEN - Alex brings smiles to Children receiving treatment at Omagh Hospital and Primary Care Complex

by Gráinne Connolly

Seven year old Alex Hamilton, a pupil at Omagh County Primary School has been helping to bring smiles to children who receive treatment in the Children’s Centre at Omagh Hospital and Primary Care Complex by raising money to provide gifts for a surprise box.

The idea of the surprise box is to provide a small treat for children who attend the hospital to be treated or have the likes of bloods taken. 

Last year, Alex was diagnosed with Crohn's disease, a chronic life-long condition which causes inflammation of the digestive system. 

Throughout that time he's received care and support from the gastroenterology team at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children and the new Children's Centre in Omagh, where he was the first child to have his bloods taken. 

Valerie, Alex's mum has been explaining to Q Radio about where the idea of the surprise box came from:

Since then Valerie discussed the idea with Mrs Funston, principal of Omagh County Primary School who supported the idea by holding a non-school uniform day to fundraise and purchase items for a surprise box. 

Alex also raised money by selling tattoos and Christmas crafts at the school’s Christmas Craft Fair with him mum, and at that time Ian Danton the manager of Tesco learned about Alex’s idea and agreed that Tesco in Enniskillen would support. 

Martina Reynolds, the Community Champion, took the lead on this and during the month of January organised a second hand book table.

The money raised was used to purchase items for “Alex’s Surprise Box” and collectively a total of £925 has been raised to date.
 

Mary Blee, Community Children’s Nursing Team Leader for the Western Trust said:

“We are overwhelmed and humbled by the thoughtfulness and creativity of Alex and his mum who have worked extremely hard in not only coming up with the idea of creating a surprise box but also fundraising to provide gifts for its inclusion.   

"Alex is a remarkable young boy and is an inspiration to everyone in the Children’s Centre and we wish to thank him and his mum for thinking of others even though he is battling a chronic illness himself. 

"The surprise box will benefit many children who regularly attend for appointment at the Children’s Centre, bringing lots of smiles and surprises to distract from the tests and procedures that are required.”

LISTEN - Valerie Hamilton told Q Radio about Alex and his surprise box, as well as their fundraising efforts to fill it: