Statement by TUV vice chair and Causeway Councillor Allister Kyle:
“At this time of year, when most children are writing letters to Santa and thinking of what Christmas gifts they may receive, it’s refreshing to learn of two young children’s idea of raising funds for others.
“Leo (11) and Evie (8) McKeowen came up with an innovative idea to raise funds for the Friends of Cancer Centre. They decided to bake buns and traybakes and sell them off for donations, which to date have totalled almost £800
“The family are no strangers to fundraising for cancer charities. Mum Laura and Dad Mark together with friends and family set the target of raising £1000 to run the Belfast Marathon earlier in the year. The couple who are very well thought of in the village of Bushmills were blown away by the amount of support they received and far surpassed their original target by raising £5,561.75 for MacMillan Cancer Support, who were a great help and encouragement to the family when Laura went through a cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment.
“Now Leo and Evie have taken up the mantle and for ten weeks in the run up to Christmas Eve, have been busy baking along with help from local business Sweet Lil Mouse.
“I’ve been following the progress of Leo and Evie in the run up to Christmas and think that this act of kindness shows the real spirit of Christmas. At a time when everyone’s busy planning for Christmas between food, presents and parties, it’s a real encouragement to see two children so young think of others who may have more important things on their minds this Christmas. The Friends of the Cancer Centre in Belfast is a great cause for these kids to have thought of and with the clock fast counting down to Christmas Eve, I’d ask people to dig deep and support young Leo and Evie”.
Kyle’s party colleague and North Antrim MLA Timothy Gaston added:
“As a father of three young boys I know the buzz and excitement there is in the house during the run up to Christmas. That’s why I was so impressed that Leo and Evie took time out to put the needs of others before their own this year. Well done to both of them. I think we can all agree they’ll be on the good list this year”
If you’d like to join in with the Christmas cheer for a very worthwhile cause, order your cupcakes or tray bakes from 07711113034 or email Lharper0409@gmail.com