Charlie Wright from Primary 7 has shared his experience of taking part in this year's Supervalu Superstars event. Well done Charlie!
Supervalu Superstars is a competition in Northern Ireland which began as Super Mums. Feedback from the public was that there are many Super Stars that aren’t mums and so Supervalu Superstars was born. It is a competition with no categories and aims to celebrate the achievements and stories of Men, Women and Children throughout Northern Ireland.
As you may know, I was in hospital for most of the summer. Whilst in hospital my mum decided to nominate me for the competition. Her application included my bravery in dealing with my disease, my bravery in being her carer and saving her life and my determination to raise awareness of these rare conditions and to help improve the experience of the rare disease patients. My condition wasn’t diagnosed until I was 6 and my journey was traumatic. Now that I am 11 I am still having an unacceptable experience of the medical staff and the health service. I want to speak out and make a difference.
A few weeks ago, my mum got a call to say I was a finalist in the Supervalu Superstars. I was so excited because I was one of the 36 finalists out of over 350 applications. I had to go for a photo shoot and I was on the radio – U105 with Frank Mitchell. I was nervous before the interview but I was pleased with what I said.
Last Wednesday my mum and some family members went to The Titanic Hotel in Belfast for the final. The hotel is newly opened and is beautiful. There was a buffet and free Ben and Jerrys Ice cream. The awards ceremony was amazing. 36 people, all doing such good things and overcoming horrible events made me think and made my mum cry. Every person collected their Finalist Certificate whilst Clare McCollum read out a brief piece about them. I was nervous when I went up as everyone was looking at me. When they called my name for 3rd place I couldn’t believe it. I was so happy.
After the Awards Ceremony, I had to have lots of photos for the press and then we were escorted on a tour of the old offices of the major staff involved in the Titanic. It was fantastic and memorable to be standing in Thomas Andrew’s office and to be able to look down on the drawing room.
We then went to the bar to celebrate and whilst there we met an inspirational young woman called Jennifer Smyth who is now a quadriplegic after a gymnastics accident. She inspired me because she won’t give up and is determined to walk again.
I was really pleased to come 3rd but everyone in that room that night deserved more recognition. It was life changing.
