Northern Ireland

Co Down parents tell of 'immense pride' as all seven members of family help health system's battle with Covid-19

On the front line: (Left to right) Ryan, Daniel, Ann, Noel, Niamh, Aaron and Callum McDonald
On the front line: (Left to right) Ryan, Daniel, Ann, Noel, Niamh, Aaron and Callum McDonald On the front line: (Left to right) Ryan, Daniel, Ann, Noel, Niamh, Aaron and Callum McDonald

A Co Down couple have spoken of their pride that all five of their children have followed them into careers in health care.

All seven members of the McDonald family, from Newcastle, are supporting the health system as it battles against Covid-19.

Noel McDonald works as an operations manager at the Shannon Clinic at Knockbracken Healthcare Park, while his wife Ann is a Professional Nurse Lead in the Belfast Trust.

The couple, who between them have 72 years' experience, have four sons and one daughter.

Eldest son Daniel, who is 30, is a social worker in the Belfast Trust while 28-year-old Ryan is as an agency health care support worker.

The couple's three youngest children were all in their final year at university studying mental health nursing when Covid-19 hit.

As a result, they had to complete their course early and were taken out of the lecture hall and put on the front line.

Co Down couple Noel and Ann McDonald say they are immensely proud of their family's contribution to health care during the Covid-19 pandemic. Picture by Hugh Russell
Co Down couple Noel and Ann McDonald say they are immensely proud of their family's contribution to health care during the Covid-19 pandemic. Picture by Hugh Russell Co Down couple Noel and Ann McDonald say they are immensely proud of their family's contribution to health care during the Covid-19 pandemic. Picture by Hugh Russell

Aaron (26) and Callum (23), who were both studying at Queen's University, are now working in mental health nursing at Lagan Valley Hospital, Lisburn and at the City Hospital in Belfast, while Niamh (22), who was studying at the Ulster University at Magee in Derry, is working in mental health nursing at Antrim's Holywell Hospital.

Mr McDonald, who is chairman of Bryansford GAC - where all five of his children are also senior football players - said he and his wife are "immensely proud of all our all children’s achievements... especially at this challenging time of the Covid pandemic".

He said his children were doing "everything they can to help".

"We never encouraged them to come into health care," he said.

"They had to develop the interest themselves. We are so delighted and so proud that they did follow in our footsteps."

The 57-year-old, whose brother and sister are also general nurses, said initially there were concerns among the three youngest children about going on the front line but "they were supported so much by the universities and the trusts".

"Obviously they are out working with potential Covid-19 patients but they can contact us for help to reassure them and the support they have got from the three trusts has been immense."

Mr McDonald urged anyone struggling with their mental health during the lockdown to seek the help they need.

He also appealed to people to continue to abide by guidance in a bid to save lives.

He said it was "not a time of complacency and we all have a role to play at this time".

"Stay at home, wash your hands regularly and keep your social distance to save lives," he said.

"Listen to the advice from our local government. Things are working here and we continue to not have the same turmoil as the rest of the world."