Walk in memory of 'Little Hulk' Ollie

The organisers are hoping to raise as much as possible for two charities, CLIC Sargent and The Children’s Cancer Unit Charity, who helped during his illness.

His aunt, Rebecca Higgins, said the team at Essential Design Group came up with the idea of doing the 10,000 steps challenge to mark the Castledawson’s firm’s 20th anniversary and, at the same time, raise funds for the charities.

Ollie was the grandson of the directors Oliver and Mandy Higgins and the charities assisted both the Higgins and Randlesome families throughout.

CLIC Sargent provided them with a ‘Home from Home’ called Paul’s house. This was located straight across the road from The Royal Belfast Hospital for sick children. Especially during Ollie’s final weeks it meant that they could stay close to Ollie and spend every minute possible with him before he gained his ‘Angel Wings’.

The Children’s Cancer Unit Charity provided day trips for both Ollie and his sister Lucy and helped Lucy create the ‘beads of courage’ and a memory box. They not only help support the families within the haematology ward but the staff and hospital infrastructure too.

“Both charities helped us hugely and we are forever grateful to them,” said Rebecca.

“Ollie was a little ball of energy and never sat down from the minute he opened his eyes until he reluctantly went to bed at night.

“He loved being outside and had the most amazing imagination. He loved anything supernatural, ghosts, werewolves, toy guns and most of all the Hulk! He carried a little hulk toy everywhere, this is how he got his nickname ‘little hulk’ during his treatment, because he was still full of energy and coped really well with everything he had to go through.”

Ollie was diagnosed in October 2018 with a sarcoma cancer of the diaphragm, a very rare form of cancer.

“He fought through every bit of treatment but unfortunately after his treatment had finished he relapsed and the day before his 4th birthday we were given the horrendous news that it was terminal,” Rebecca continued.

“Just five weeks later on July 6, 2019, he peacefully gained his angel wings with his mummy and daddy by his side and surrounded by his family.”

An online fundraising page has been set up and so far almost £2,000 has been raised. Donations can also be made at the Essential Design Group office, or to any of the team members they will be happy to add it to the donations.

The link to the online fundraising page is https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/SomeoneSpecial/OllieHiggins Anyone donating online (excluding anonymous donations) will be automatically entered into a draw to win a food hamper.

Rebecca added: “I understand some people may not be able to complete 10,000 steps per day but if they can spare a few pounds every little bit will help. We did have promo T-shirts available for anyone to collect, however, due to huge demand we only have a couple of size small left.”

Rebecca added they have just launched a new website and have made a little change to it for the month of April – see www.essentialdesigngroup.com

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