Launch:

The tragic death of 17 year old Belfast girl Jane McVeigh, in December 2006 brought home to many of us the vulnerability of people with a life threatening allergy, especially children and young people.

Although the family were not members we felt strongly that Jane should be remembered and have created this award where the winner will receive a silver trophy, known as the Jane McVeigh Memorial Cup.  Jane’s family are really pleased that we have chosen to remember their beautiful daughter in this way.

The award, which encourages children and young people to raise awareness of allergies, is open to everyone up to 21 years of age.

The award was launched on Friday 25 January 2008 in Hillsborough Castle and around 100 invited guests from political, medical, education and business sectors together with members of Jane McVeigh’s family and friends attended.

Aim of the award: is to encourage children and young people to raise awareness of allergies.

This can be done in various ways eg speaking at their school/youth club or other organisation, supporting a friend or relative who has allergies and raising awareness of their needs, or by organising a fund raising activity such as sponsored walk or non uniform day in school.  By raising funds they are also raising awareness.

The child/young person nominated does not have to have an allergy, nor be a member of Allergy N I.  They can be nominated by a parent or other adult who will complete the Allergy N I nomination form and return it to the chairperson by 30 September 2008.

The activity, for which the person is nominated, needs to be verified in writing by an independent person eg school teacher, youth leader or other responsible adult.

The committee of Allergy N I and another independent person, plus a member of the McVeigh family, will consider the applications and make a decision on who should receive the award.

The winner will be contacted in writing.

Entry Details:

Open to children & young people up to 21 years of age.

The award, a silver cup known as the Jane McVeigh Memorial Cup, will be presented by a member of the McVeigh family and a local celebrity, at a reception held each year in October, to coincide with Jane’s birthday.

The holder will retain the cup for a year & sign a guarantee that it will be returned when requested, and in good condition.

The holder will also receive a small cup engraved with their details which they can keep.