Touching tributes to tragic youngster
In Aoife Kidd’s painfully short time on earth, she managed to touch so many. Back in June, the Post attended a sponsored Zumbathon which was put on by Monkton Primary to fund the sensory room in her name.
More than 100 classmates and teachers danced in the gym hall to raise cash for the youngster – and Aoife was right at the front, leading the pack, with a beaming smile on her face.
She started P1 in August and in a touching tribute her teacher Andrea Hamilton said: “Aoife was a ray of sunshine for everyone at Monkton.
“No matter what she faced, she always had a smile and would light up the room. Myself and the P1 children will never forget Aoife’s sixth birthday when we shared cake, fun and laughter. Our hearts will always be filled with love for such a special little girl. She is our inspiration.”
The youngster’s nursery teacher Kim Smith added: “Aoife was a very determined young lady who brought fun and laughter wherever she went. She loved collecting various toys or paint stored out of reach for most children and creating her “own work of art”. A fond memory of Aoife was when she flooded the bathroom as she was bathing a container of 50 plastic bears. “Monkton Primary head teacher Karen Miller said: “I took over as head at the beginning of December and it was my third week in the post when we got the news about Aoife which devastated the whole school community. Unfortunately I never got the chance to meet Aoife but from the grief that was displayed by pupils, staff and parents, it was clear that she has touched so many lives at Monkton. The memories of the happy times they shared with her will be cherished forever.”
Over 100 staff, parents and pupils at Monkton Primary have signed up for the Kiltwalk and are raising money for the sensory bus to ensure her legacy continues. So far Michael and Evelyn have raised just under £ 35,000, with £ 10,000 of that dedicated to the sensory room at Monkton.
The bus, which they have named Aoife’s Sensory Bus, has already been designed and they have nearly raised enough cash to get it on the road.
But Michael explains it is the cost of maintenance that will be the next challenge. He said: “Just to get the design and all the gear into the bus, I don’t think we are that far away. But it is the sustainability of it after that which is the
the South Ayrshire Skills Academy issue – the road insurance, public liability insurance, fuel and general running costs.
“We are looking into maybe going down a corporate sponsorship route but in the meantime we are looking to get any support we can. There’s some days you think you’re there, then others you think you’re not much further forward. But we are getting there. With a wee bit more awareness and exposure we’ll get it done.”
Last month The South Ayrshire Skills Academy group managed to raise nearly £ 200 towards Aoife’s Sensory Bus after they hosted a coffee morning at Newton House. Michael added: “It has been so well received. That’s what keeps you going. It just shows there is a bit of good in the world. Just a prime example of here today, with just a wee bit of extra effort they managed to get £ 184 for us.”
To get involved contact Michael at kidd. mjk@ gmail. com or go to Facebook or www. gofundme. com and search for ‘ A Space to Make Sense of School’.