Courageous Marc inspires a community’s compassion

Editorial Department • Published 19 Aug 2010 16:00 0 Comments

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Only those with a heart of stone would have failed to have been moved by the tragic death of six-year-old Enniskillen boy Marc Elliott who lost his courageous battle with illness.

Little Marc was buried this week, as we report on page one of this newspaper.

But even his short life has taught us much about the real human nature.

Firstly, the little boy himself showed such resilience and courage in one so young that he is an inspiring example to many.

His parents, Damien and Adel have also been an example in the way they have faced up to adversity and fought tenaciously to do whatever they could for their family; their circumstances certainly put many things in perspective for many families.

The lead given by the Elliotts and the way they responded seemed to strike a chord with the whole community.

Times for everyone are tough, socially and economically; everyone has problems to deal with in their own and their family’s lives. Some of them very harrowing and very real.

Yet, all these worries seemed as nothing as the community rallied round with support, financial and moral.

This is the true nature of a good community.

These days, Government seems unable or unwilling to reach out and give real practical help to the increasing number of vulnerable people in society.

Yet when it comes down to it, people with very little to give still give anyway and do what they can in the true spirit of neighbourliness.

It is a fantastic example of the compassion people feel.

The community’s thoughts and prayers remain with the Elliott family as they continue to cope with their loss.

This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 19 Aug 10

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