YOUNG heroes stood shoulder-to-shoulder under the spotlight as their extraordinary achievements were finally recognised.
Among the inspirational finalists crowned in the Hero of Youth Awards at a glittering, gala event at The MAC theatre in Belfast last Friday night was Derry’s Danielle McGinley.
Here’s Danielle’s story…
Suffering the death of a parent is traumatic at any age but to endure the grief of not just one parent but two dying within four months of each other seems incomprehensible.
But that is the unfair hand fate dealt tragedy stricken Danielle, aged just 15.
Heartbreakingly, Danielle made a deathbed promise to her father John and then her mother Anne Marie that she would stay in school; pass all her exams and make them proud.
And despite her heartache that is exactly what she’s done.
Judges’ Opinion
“You couldn’t help but be emotionally moved by Danielle’s heartbreaking loss of her parents at such a critical stage in her young life.
“But true to her promise to her dad and mum Danielle studied hard at school and got great GCSE results despite having to cope with the shocking deaths of both her parents.
“She’s shown courage in abundance – a very deserving young hero.”
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