TWO weeks after undergoing major heart surgery, little Kyle Nimmo is home from Crumlin Children’s Hospital and bouncing around.
Two-year-old Kyle, from Ballyheane, Castlebar, who is soldiering his way through illness since shortly after his birth, is the inspiration for the charity Kyle4Kids, which is raising funds for Crumlin and the children’s ward at Mayo General Hospital.
Children from everywhere are invited to join in the bouncing at a fun family day at Ballyheane Community Centre, Castlebar, this Saturday, July 14.
Kyle’s paramedic dad, Gordon, is being joined by his colleagues in Mayo’s emergency services for a novel showcase, which has something for all the family.
Taking place from 12 noon to 5 pm, the event will have displays by all the Mayo emergency services - ambulance, fire service, coastguard, civil defence, An Garda Síochána and mountain rescue team.
Does your little boy dream of being Fireman Sam? Then here’s his chance to check out the fire truck first hand.
And the small boy, and most likely the big one, in your family will definitely enjoy getting up close with the three rally cars on show.
The cars and associated equipment are a buggy and a Ford Escort and a Mitsubishi Evo, one older and a more modern version, and the display will have an emphasis on safety.
The coastguard will be putting on a helicopter rescue demonstration, which will capture the imaginations of young and old.
Or maybe you fancy some cops and robbers, well hopefully no robbers, but the gardaí will be there and you just might get to blast a siren.
The day is an opportunity for children to have unique access to emergency services’ equipment and personnel, be it the fire engine or ambulance.
Everyone will experience what the services do first hand, from exploring a fire truck to learning CPR.
There’s also a range of side events to keep the children entertained, including face painting, bouncy castles, colouring competitions, sponge throwing, music, and free goodie bags.
There will be a number of stands and as well as being a fun day, it’s a chance to learn more about safety in general, including road and fire safety. Among the groups participating are the Road Safety Authority, fire services and Croí.
There is no admission fee but donations can be made on the day to the charity by way of bucket collections.
There will also be a draw with great prizes including a flight, children’s bicycle and hotel vouchers.
To find out more about the registered charity and upcoming events, check out www.kyle4kids.com or contact Gordon on 087 3514424.