Little sister inspires local student to embark on charity mission to Peru
By Caoimhe Hegarty
A big-hearted County Derry student is preparing to embark on an eight-week charity mercy mission to help disabled children living in one of the poorest regions of Peru.
Eadaoin McCorry from The Loup, who is currently studying speech and language therapy at the Ulster University, will travel to Cuzco on September 30, as part of her gap year from University.
The 21 year-old volunteer will spend eight weeks helping to care for disabled children and young adults in a local hospital, as well as schools and orphanages.
While the former St Mary’s Grammar School student has always had a compassionate side, her inspiration for this ‘life-changing’ journey is her little sister Cara Ann.
Eadaoin has always been a devoted big sister to Cara Ann (15), who has Down’s syndrome.
While Cara Ann has never let her condition hold her back, Eadaoin along with her two brothers, Padraic and Sean, have supported and encouraged her at every stage.
One of Cara Ann’s biggest challenges growing up was communication but with the help of speech and language therapy, Cara Ann has never looked back and now communicates with ease.
During this challenging time for Cara Ann, Eadaoin’s encouragement at home proved to be invaluable. When Cara Ann started to make significant progress, Eadaoin made the decision to pursue a career in speech and language therapy.
While Eadaoin’s primary role will be helping care for disabled children in Peru, she is also hoping to be given the opportunity to shadow a speech therapist.
Speaking ahead of her trip, Eadaoin said she is ‘nervous but incredibly excited.’
“I made the decision that during my year out, I wanted to do something useful and to try to help improve the lives of those less fortunate. After some research, I decided that I would travel to Cuzco as it is one of the most deprived areas of Peru,” she explained.
“I decided from an early age that I wanted to work with disabled children and young adults, so when deciding on what voluntary work to undertake, I didn’t even have to think about it,” said Eadaoin.
She continued: “My little sister, who has Down’s Syndrome, never ceases to amaze us. She has been my inspiration in wanting to help others. During my trip I will be helping out from being in the infirmary and caring for young babies, to providing assistance to older children in the local schools. I am very nervous about going on my own but I am also incredibly excited but I know it will be life-changing for me,” she said.
Before Eadaoin sets off she is holding a charity night in Loup GAC Club on Saturday night (September 23) with proceeds going towards the local communities in Cuzco, Peru.
Musical entertainment will be provided by The Mitchells and Friends. A raffle will also take place on the night with the chance to win some great prizes.
Tickets are £5 and are available from Loup GAA and Ryan’s shop Ballyronan. Alternatively guests can pay at the door.
“Any donation, big or small, towards these vulnerable children and adults will be most welcome,” said Eadaoin.