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An annual 'Blood Drive'at St Paul's High School, Bessbrook has resulted in over 1000 units of blood being donated by pupils and staff and wider community at the school.
The 'Ryan Cinnamond - Giving is Living' Blood Drive was born after Ryan, a pupil at the school in 2010 was rushed to hospital with an aneurysm diagnosed, which resulted in both his legs having to be amputated.
In November of 2010, Ryan a year 12 pupil in St Paul’s High School, suddenly took ill one morning while getting ready for school. After attending Daisy Hill Hospital, Ryan was rushed to the Royal Victoria Hospital where he was diagnosed with an aneurysm. After a long and gruelling surgery, Ryan wasn’t out of the woods. Unfortunately, when he didn’t improve, surgeons made the tough but necessary decision to amputate both his legs below the knee. It was a tough few years that followed, with Ryan determined to complete his GCSEs along with his classmates while recovering from this major trauma. His teachers at St Paul’s High School were a constant support every step of the way, offering tuition to him until he was able to return to school. Thankfully, he achieved well and returned in September 2011 to begin his A level studies.
Close family friends, Emma and her mother, Roisin Martin who were constant supports to the family during this difficult time wanted to recognise all the efforts of the many, many medical staff involved in Ryan’s treatment and recovery and after much deliberation they sprang into action and decided they wanted to replace the numerous units of blood Ryan required during his surgeries, and thus the “Ryan Cinnamond – Giving is Living” annual Blood Drive was born.
Emma and her mother Roisin contacted Mr Jarlath Burns, Principal of St Paul’s High School, to propose using the school as their venue. He was only too happy to oblige, as the entire St Paul’s Community was so grateful to have Ryan be able to return to school and finish his education.
This year St Paul's are celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the campaign and just this week reached the incredible 1000 units donated – with Ryan’s debt well and truly paid back!
The St Paul’s community come out in force every year to support this very worthy cause, with a large number of new donors being signed up.
For more information on how you can register to become a donor visit: www.nibts.hscni.net
