Tullamore student contributes to new book for Make-A-Wish Ireland

What have Tullamore college student James Saunders, Paralympian Jason Smyth, best-selling author Cathy Kelly, billionaire John Magnier and singer Tommy Fleming got in common?

The answer is that they are amongst the fifty-nine people who have donated their time and talent to provide a story of hope and resilience for a new book, Stories from the Heart of Ireland.

The book will raise funds for Make-A-Wish Ireland, and help them make dreams come true for young children with life-threatening conditions.

Renee Gallagher, English Teacher, Tullamore College, described James Saunders as an extraordinary young man.

"His journey is one of strength and resilience, while facing a battle that no young person should have to endure," said Ms Gallagher.

"James has shown unwavering courage with a life altering challenge, his determination and hard work while facing surgeries and physiotherapy is hugely admirable and as his teachers we see this determination every day in school.

"What I love most about James is his sense of humour, James will make you laugh and smile every week with his quick and sharp wit. He always has a big smile on his face.

"It was a marvel to witness James' progress every month. He first came to school in a motorised wheelchair but, in no time, he had left his chair and began to walk with the aid of crutches. Now James walks through the corridors independently like a man on a mission.

"James's journey is a testament to the incredible strength of the human spirit (Mr McEvoy, our principal, refers to it as James' indomitable spirit) and I look forward to seeing his bright future ahead. Watch this space!"

Inspired by tragic circumstances, the book Stories from the Heart of Ireland, like Make-A-Wish itself, provides positive experiences, thanks to James and the fifty-eight other writers from around the country who have contributed stories.

The book is the brainchild of former broadcaster and journalist Brendan Power, who lost his granddaughter when she was just nine years old.

Make-A-Wish had flown her to Lapland where she met Father Christmas – the real one, as she later told everybody – lifting her spirits immeasurably.

In return he wanted to do something that would raise funds to help other children with life threatening conditions and to honour her memory. Niamh's story is in the book and clearly shows why he refers to her as a remarkable young lady.

Jason Smyth tells how problems with his vision spurred him on to become the fastest Paralympian in the world. Billionaire John Magnier shares the simple truth of what determines the quality of our lives.

Tommy Fleming shows that no matter how badly things go wrong, there is always a way back and multi-million selling author Cathy Kelly shares a simple story of both hope and inspiration.

"Every year this wonderful charity – which relies entirely on donations – makes wishes come true for dozens of children with life threatening illnesses, but they can't do it without our help,” said Brendan Power.

“Since its launch in 1992, Make-A-Wish Ireland has granted almost 3,000 wishes and they get more and more requests every year. This book is one way we can all help them, as the money raised from sales will go directly to the charity.”

Stories from the Heart of Ireland is published by Red Stripe Press.