Joint winners of the ‘Name the Campaign’ competition, Sean Boylan and Eoin Hughes.  Also included in the photograph Lauren Rogers who was runner-up.  The students are pictured with Ryan Cinnamond, Vice-principal, Mr Jarlath Burns, Head of Year 13, Ms Christine Fearon and, Year 14 student, Emma Martin.

Highly commended winners Cailíosa Ní Dhúill, Ciara Garvey, Sarah Mallon, Caolán Flynn, Emma Mallon, Megan McCann, Alana Keenan and Shaughnessy Molloy.  Pictured with Ryan Cinnamond, Vice-principal Mr Jarlath Burns and Year 14 student Emma Martin.

Head of Year 13, Ms Christine Fearon recently invited past pupil, Ryan Cinnamond, to speak at Year 8 Assembly to help launch a ‘Name the Campaign’ competition as part of publicising the upcoming Blood Transfusion Drive in St Paul’s on 8th November. Health & Social Care students came up with the idea of a competition to assist Emma Martin in her goal of getting as many first time blood donors registered in the local area.

This is in recognition of Ryan and the valuable part the Blood Transfusion Service played in saving his life. Ryan lost both his legs and received 64 units of blood several years ago – the second largest blood transfusion received in the north ever. Emma and the Cinnamond Family are very keen that they help raise awareness about the need to donate blood and are contributing greatly to the success of this campaign.

Health & Social Care students co-ordinated the launch and running of the Year 8 competition, with 156 entries received. Ryan, assisted by Emma, judged the winners. Joint first was awarded to Sean Boylan & Eoin Hughes, with Lauren Rogers as runner-up. Highly commended were Cailíosa Ní Dhúill, Ciara Garvey, Sarah Mallon, Caolan Flynn, Emma Mallon, Megan McCann, Alana Keenan & Shaughnessy Molloy.

Ryan and Peggy Cinnamond were delighted with the response and the joint winners’ slogans are being used in literature by the NI Blood Transfusion Service to publicise the upcoming event. All entries are being displayed in the student foyer in recognition of the Year 8 students’ contributions to the campaign.

To date, 400 first time donors have now registered to give blood in St Paul’s on 8th November. The Health & Social Care Department staff and students will be co-ordinating the event to ensure its success. Anyone wishing to still register can do so by contacting Ms Fearon on 028 3083 0309 or turning up on the day to one of the sessions 1.30 – 4.30 or 5.45 – 8.00.