Dungannon school win UK enterprise title and Disney creativity award with kids books on cancer

The St Patrick's College team are the first from Northern Ireland to win the Young Eterprise UK title in 20 years

It was a double win for the eight pupils from St Patrick’s College who brought home the Young Enterprise UK Company of the Year Award and a creativity award from movie giant Disney.

And what’s more impressive still, is that school principal Roisin Harbinson said it was the first time a Northern Ireland team has won the UK award in over 20 years.

And she said she is “overwhelmed” by the support of the local business community, for their help in getting her sixth formers to the final.

St Patrick's College team Enlighten Hope named UK Young Enterprise winners for their copany selling books that help children understand chemo and radiotherapy

Gizela Gusmao, Binta Djaura, Iveta Liovinate, Sean Kelly, Chloe Fitzpatrick, Dominika Cirson, Wioletta Giovlowska and Gabriele Sinkute have produced a series books aimed at helping young children understand the side effects of cancer treatment.

The series was inspired by the experiences of little Eva Tomney, from Keady, niece of business studies teacher Tracy Hughes, who sadly passed away in November.

Entitled Eva’s Hair; Eva’s Teeth and Will’s Wheels, Tracy says the three books have enabled a “tragic story” to become a “joyful and helpful resource”.

Mrs Hughes explained: “The children were offered the opportunity to enter the enterprise competition. They were expected to create a product which would enrich the lives of others and asked me if they could use Eva to create a children’s story.

“They have written, illustrated and published the three stories themselves.

“It is difficult to put into words their achievement.”

“It is outstanding. The group is absolutely elated.”