At the dispersal sale of more than 200 milking and dry in calf cows at the Wilson family’s farm near Church Hill on February 14, one special calf was sold in memory of baby Faith Isabella Wilson, with proceeds going towards two important charities, Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice and Every Life Counts.

Faith Isabella was born to Joanne and Philip Wilson on January 8, 2019. Born with a life-limiting condition called anencephaly, Faith lived for 15 days.

Baby Faith Isabella Wilson pictured with her parents, Joanne and Philip Wilson.

Baby Faith Isabella Wilson pictured with her parents, Joanne and Philip Wilson.

Speaking to The Impartial Reporter, Joanne explained that the two charities that they were raising money for through the sale of the calf provided them with fantastic support.

“Both charities would have had a lot of input with us, through the antenatal period and then also after, just being there in the house to give us some help overnight,” said Joanne, noting that she and her husband wanted to “give something back”.

The Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice support babies, children and their families through a range of children’s services with their multi-disciplinary team.

These services include specialist nursing care at home, supported breaks in an in-patient unit, end-of life care, and family and bereavement support.

Every Life Counts is a support network for families whose child is diagnosed with a life-limiting condition.

During the auction last week the charity calf was bought by Abbi and Callum McBride from Trillick for £1,200.

Philip and Joanne Wilson, who auctioned the calf in memory of their late daughter, Faith Isabella Wilson, are pictured with Abbi and Callum McBride, Trillick, who bought the calf.

Philip and Joanne Wilson, who auctioned the calf in memory of their late daughter, Faith Isabella Wilson, are pictured with Abbi and Callum McBride, Trillick, who bought the calf.

This, along with money raised from the sale of tea, coffee and traybakes on the day, and sponsorship money from the auction catalogue, which came to a total of £2,200, will be divided between the two charities.

Talking about the sale of the charity calf, Joanne said that she and Philip felt quite emotional at the auction.

“When the auctioneer asked us to come into the ring when the calf was being paraded around, my husband Philip and I both said that a lump came into our throats.

“It kind of just hit us emotionally, because we know, having been there, what that money will mean to the charities and for families, and how it will change things for them,” Joanne told this newspaper.

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