THE family of Thomas Magee celebrated the birthday of a beautiful boy at the weekend who should have been turning six but in reality will forever be just four years of age.
Just over a year since the Maguiresbridge family lost their little farmer in a tragic accident, they baked him a cake and released balloons at his graveside on what would and should have been his sixth birthday.
In the run up to his birthday last year Thomas had made so many plans with his big sister Emily.
“He and Emily had made a list,” explains mum, Jackie.
At the very top of the list was a special request for a birthday cake in the shape of a cow.
And although he never got to celebrate his fifth birthday, his loving family stayed true to their word, ensuring Thomas’ birthday cake wish came true.
The last 12 months have been unimaginably hard for father, David, mother, Jackie and siblings Emily (9) and little Lucianna (3).
But in the midst of her own unspeakable loss, inspirational Emily has found a way to make others smile - as a special tribute to her best friend and brother, Thomas.
In just a year the determined Maguiresbridge Primary School pupil has managed to raise £25,000.
According to Jackie, her family has been bolstered by her strength, and the huge generosity and support of those who have donated to Emily’s fundraising initiatives - many of the donations from complete strangers, touched by Thomas’ story.
“Thomas was the inspiration behind all the fundraising but Emily was the driving force,” says Jackie.
“She started off by saying she wanted to do a little cake sale. Baking was something she and Thomas loved to do together a lot.
“So many people wanted to help out in some way. We were so humbled. 
“We are still getting donations yet,” she added.
£21,000 of Emily’s fundraising has gone towards the Make A Wish Foundation, £3,000 has gone towards Heartbeat Trust, and the rest helped the family to dedicate a Font in Thomas’ memory at their Maguiresbridge Methodist Church.
Despite her young years, Emily’s caring nature and strength has ensured she has become an inspiration to so many.
So it was just reward then that her selfless fundraising acts were recognised through a Spirit of NI award at the end of last month.
“We were very proud of Emily,” says Jackie, “I don’t think she realises just how much she has done to help us.
“Even the little things that she does or says - she makes little cards and writes verses in them for us. I know she will do great things in her life.
“She has always been a thoughtful person, but over the last year, her caring nature has been shown in so many ways to us.”
It’s not just her parents that Emily has made cards for.
At Easter time she wrote a special note to Thomas.
“She told him wee things, and asked him questions,” Jackie explains.
Describing the Spirit of NI Awards at the Crowne Plaza, Belfast, as “bittersweet in many ways”, Jackie says the family wanted the event to be a positive night for Emily.
“It was an emotional night given that it wasn’t long after Thomas’ anniversary and close to his birthday. But it was a very special night, too,” says Jackie.
Emily spent last weekend in Portrush with her granny and grandad, taking part in a walk in memory of her brother.
Asked what Thomas would make of her award she replies: “I think he would be very proud.”
In a special video message played in front of guests at the prestigious Spirit of NI event, One Direction star, Niall Horan told Emily he had been inspired by her so much that he had chosen her as the rightful winner of the Spirit of Youth award.
He added too, that he was looking forward to meeting her in person at the Golf Open this August.
Her award now sits pride of place in the Magee family kitchen where it catches the light and sparkles with pride - a reflection of the pride the family feel for Emily.
“Emily won the race!” says Lucianna as her older sister holds her award.
“Do you know, in a way she sort of did,” Jackie agrees.