Fundraising in memory of Oran

Six-year-old Oran, whose brave battle with a rare heart defect inspired goodwill in the people of Lurgan and far beyond, passed away in October.

Barry said: “It’s been hard without Oran, but we’ve just been getting on with things, taking each day at a time.

“The events that have been organised are a way of keeping his memory alive while raising money for the Children’s Heartbeat Trust.”

The events planned include entering two relay teams and a number of walkers in the Belfast Marathon as well as a golf classic in Lurgan Golf Club on June 19.

He added: “It was our neighbours who came up with the idea of doing the marathon. We started training a couple of weeks ago.

“My idea was the charity golf day. I’m a member of Lurgan Golf Club and I took Oran to the course on his sixth birthday in his pink buggy. Pink was his favourite colour.

“He loved touring the course so I’ve organised the event to take place on what would have been his birthday weekend.

“We’ve got 33 teams at the minute so we’re going well.”

Next Friday, Oran’s school, St Anthony’s, which his sister Molly will be starting in September, will be planting an apple tree in memory of the brave six-year-old.

To make a donation towards the Belfast Marathon teams go to http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/Orancreaney