When Darcey Maguire’s fourth birthday party was cancelled due to the coronavirus, her local community of Kesh and beyond made sure her day was still special, celebrating with her in a unique way whilst also bringing hope and happiness to many during a worrying time.

Darcey’s mum Marion Maguire shared: “It was my daughter Darcey’s fourth birthday on Saturday, March 21. We decided to cancel her party due to the coronavirus outbreak. She’s only four and we couldn’t believe how understanding she was, she didn’t make a fuss and was totally fine about it, she is a sweetheart.”

Still wanting Darcey’s birthday to be as special and as magical as possible, Marion had an idea: “We wanted her to have fun and happy memories even though we’re all scared and stressed so I put a post on Facebook to ask if any of our friends wouldn’t mind putting up a ‘light of hope’ in their window or garden, not only for Darcey but for us all in these difficult times.”

Marion and her husband Rory were completely overwhelmed by the support they received. “We drove Darcey around our local area and neighbouring villages when it got dark to show her and her brother Danny (8) all the lights. We spent over two and a half hours on the road before our birthday princess fell asleep and still didn’t get to see them all. We appreciated every single light put up for us,” said Marion, commenting that their night felt magical.

“DJ Bob (Robert Anderson) lit up his full house for us and played Darcey’s favourite song ‘Senorita’ as we went passed his house. Whole houses were lit up, candles in windows, on door steps, up lane ways, fences sparkling, Christmas trees were twinkling, we saw a fairy garden, disco balls flashing, kids wrapped in fairy lights dancing, happy birthday music playing from houses. Faces (young and old) peering through their windows waiting for us to drive by. We had people waving, smiling, clapping, dancing and giving us the thumbs up, even a few tears were shed,” shared Marion.

Noting that the messages they have received have been heart-warming, Marion continued: “People have said they were so glad to have something to focus on and occupy the kids with, families danced around their kitchens, parents said the excitement from their kids brought them so much joy.”

“We need a light of hope in these dark times. We were delighted at how it all went and most of all the memories our little birthday girl had will last forever. We even got a wee mention of Radio Ulster! As a token of our thanks we have made a Donation to Children In Need.We will be forever grateful to everyone who took part. They not only lit up our hearts but our kids little hearts and everyone’s here in our local community,” Marion concluded.

Throughout the county, community spirit has been alive and well during the pandemic as local groups, organisations, businesses and individuals have been offering their help and services to those most in need.

Window cleaning company Erne Clearview had been offering to wash the window frames and doors of anyone living alone and over 70.

Chef Neven Maguire had been helping the elderly in his local community by using his culinary skills.

Posting to Twitter last week, Neven said: “It’s a busy day baking bread, making soup and stews for our elderly in our community.”

“Stay safe, look after one another, eat well,” he added.

The Enniskillen Hotel was offering £5 meals but when a customer offered to pay more, they changed the initiative to ‘buy one, give one’. A spokesman for the hotel said: “You people are amazing. The first person to contact us regarding our new food programme has refused to pay us £5, in fact she has insisted on paying full price as she is a position to do so. As a result of this spirit we are launching ‘buy one, give one’, if you are in a position to pay extra we will take these extra meals and distribute them to people who cannot afford to eat at this time and front line staff.”

In Garrison, pharmacist Siobhan McNulty at the Melvin Pharmacy asked local artist Michelle Duffy to brighten up her new safety screen. Michelle painted a colourful mural featuring positive messages to lift spirits during this time.