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Co Down schoolboy remembered with charity fundraising

Stephen McElroy, who died earlier this year
Stephen McElroy, who died earlier this year Stephen McElroy, who died earlier this year

A CHARITY set up in memory of a sports-mad 11-year-old who died earlier this year is looking for entrants for its first fundraising event.

Stephen McElroy, a popular P7 pupil from Ballyward near Castlewellan, Co Down, died just 24 hours after feeling too unwell to play for his football team in March.

The youngster, who had gained an 'A' in his transfer test and was expecting to start St Colman's College in Newry in September, loved Gaelic football, soccer and rugby.

Eight months on from his death, his family have set up a charity in his memory, SMART (NI) - The Stephen McElroy Appreciation and Remembrance Team.

It is now on the look-out for entrants to take part in its first fundraiser, a Pedal Go Kart Run, which takes place on November 21 at Liatroim GAA grounds on the Backaderry Road from 11am to 4pm.

Details about the event are available at www.facebook.com/smartni2015

Stephen's mother Pattie said her son had "such an energy for life and we wanted to remember this energy and celebrate it and that is how SMART (NI) came into being".

"The idea first came about when discussing the possibility of building a sports pitch beside Stephen's school, St Mary's Primary School, Dechomet, in memory of Stephen, given his love for sport," she said.

"We decided to fundraise to cover the costs of building the pitch to be used by pupils of the school and the idea grew from there.

"Not only will the money raised at SMART (NI) fundraising events go towards building the pitch which is due to be completed by the end of next year, it will also go to Cruse Bereavement Care."