Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
OISIN’S MUM ON LIST FOR AWARD
Organ donation bid to remember tragic teenager
A MUM who has raised awareness of organ donation since her child’s death has been shortlisted for a community award.
Sharon Mcgrath’s son Oisin died in hospital in 2015 after sustaining serious head injuries while playing football at St Michael’s College in Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh.
Sharon and husband Nigel, from Belcoo, set up the Oisin Mcgrath Foundation to keep the 13-yearold’s spirit alive and inspire others through his memory. They had taken the decision to allow his organs to be donated and five people received his gift of life.
The foundation promotes awareness of organ donation and brain injuries, as well as research and the development of local youth sport.
It is administered by the Fermanagh Trust and Sharon has now been shortlisted as the county’s representative in the prestigious Heart Of Gold Awards.
A Trust spokesperson said: “Oisin loved sport, he was an all-round sportsperson and the Mcgraths hope Oisin’s love of sport will inspire many young people to undertake an active lifestyle and achieve their sporting potential. Through the foundation local young people are awarded bursaries.
“Sharon also organises the Walk/ Jog/run for Oisin event with over 1,000 people attending every year.
“She works as services manager at South West College supporting the staff and students. Her dedication is unwavering, her relentless energy to continue helping others is inspirational.”
The Heart Of Gold Awards’ gala ceremony is at the Dunadry Hotel in Co Antrim next Saturday.