Meath Garda Youth Awards

Trim District Award - Leo and Amelia Heather, Kilmessan

Leo and Amelia live with their parents and younger brother Finn. Finn faces many challenges in his everyday life and is a child of special needs which requires a lot of care and attention.

Much is sacrificed when there is a person with a disability within the family, but an amazing set of skills can also be developed. Sign Language has been learnt by them so they can communicate with their brother. It takes more than just simply being good kids or succeeding as teenagers to play an important role in Finn’s life, it takes strength, honesty and patience. The level of support that Leo and Amelia provide to Finn is described by their parents as irreplaceable. They have stated that they would simply be lost without them. They make themselves available to Finn's needs with no questions asked.

Their patience with Finn is to be admired. They don’t do it for attention or praise but simply because Finn comes first. They understand how hard the level of care is for Finn and the pressure their parents are under. They are described as a team of four to help with Finn and their parents are extremely proud of their children and the maturity they display on a daily basis.

The community in which they live have stated that both Leo and Amelia can be observed walking Finn around the village. They sacrifice their own time in order to fulfil the needs of Finn while always presenting with a smile on their faces.

They ensure Finn is included in all activities that they attend. All other children in the area are becoming more educated and inclusive for knowing Finn and the impact and strength Leo and Amelia show to their brother.

Leo and Amelia are hard workers both in their home, school and personal lives. They are exceptional athletes in their own sports. Coaches have described them as punctual, well-mannered and always thinking of others.

There is a quote that states, if you want to know how to treat a child with special needs, look at their siblings, they will show you - Leo and Amelia have done this.

The Meath Garda Youth Awards, sponsored by Centra, recognise the very positive contribution young people make in their communities and are about shining a light on their good works.

An Garda Siochana recognise that a lot of good work is being done by young people in every community throughout county Meath, and that we as a society should be very proud of them.