TWO young Co Down brothers are preparing to deliver some springtime joy to staff and patients at Daisy Hill Hospital after they collected more than than 270 Easter eggs for them.
Adam (6) and Jake (4) Brennan, who live outside Castlewellan, want to say thank you to staff working during the pandemic and also to bring eggs to children who will be in hospital during Easter.
Laura Brennan said her sons made the decision after being bought numerous eggs last Easter, many of which were not eaten.
"Last year, there were loads of Easter eggs," she said.
"Children are very lucky. They have aunties and uncles who buy them and there's always loads left over.
"We got quite a few early this year and we decided to give them to the hospital. I have a friend who is a doctor there. She was so grateful. I have never seen anyone so grateful. That is what made us push on. They are going to the NHS staff and to the children's ward."
Laura said Adam and Jake, who attend St Mary's PS, Aughlisnafin, loved the idea of giving them to Daisy Hill Hospital.
"Adam understands. He was off school for so long and he understands what has happened with Covid and especially with the doctors and nurses. He just wanted to thank them," she said.
"Jake was more about wanting to give them to sick children."
Laura said family donated many of the eggs but when word spread about the collection, more were given to them at the school gate and brought to their house while the initiative was also supported by Murlough Athletics Club.
They are due to be delivered tonight.
"Last year we did a lot for the NHS staff. They are still in the thick of it," Laura said.
"A lot of people we know are doctors and nurses and they are still working so hard to keep us safe.
"It's only a small token."
