Little Champion of the Year

Our 2011 Little Champion of the Year is Eamon Conlon! Here is his story:

In January 2010, Eamon’s little brother was born with Mowat-Wilson syndrome, a rare genetic disorder. Mum Rebecca was required to stay in Dublin with Eamon’s baby brother, which meant Eamon was separated from her for eight long months. Despite the stress the Conlon family was under, Eamon never once complained and happily visited his mum and brother at weekends. Once his brother and mum could go home, Eamon made his baby brother the centre of his world. He helped his mum with all the challenges Mowat-Wilson syndrome presents, including Adam’s ileostomy bag, his special feeds and his skincare routine. Rebecca touchingly adds: “His brother is also blind and Eamon is always describing things to him and reassuring him when he’s scared.”

Beth Ann Doherty of Oilatum with Little Champion of the Year, Eamon Conlon and his mum Rebecca

On top of the stresses surrounding his brother’s condition, Eamon’s beloved dad was diagnosed with a terminal brain tumour on Christmas Eve last year. For the past six months, Eamon has helped and supported his mum while his dad’s health has slowly deteriorated. Rebecca tells us that, although Eamon should only be thinking about playing and running around outside with his friends, he’s always on hand to give her help and support. He may just be five-years-old but, according to his mum, he is her rock. “To fit into 1,000 words how strong my boy is, is impossible,” says Rebecca. Eamon is a true little champion.