THE heartbroken classmates of little Caitlin Strain, who passed away a few weeks ago, have been treated to a very special day out.

Caitlin (9) lost her brave two-year battle with a brain tumour in November.

The beautiful and vibrant youngster was a much-loved pupil of St Aengus’ National School in Bridgend, where she had many friends.

In a lovely gesture, Buncrana’s Children’s Charity sent a bus to take the very special friends of Caitlin to Wild Ireland followed by lunch and treats.

Speaking to the Donegal News, Co-chairperson of the registered charity, Catherine Carlin, said Caitlin’s sad passing is deeply felt by her little friends, teachers and the wider community.

She said those at the charity wanted to do something to help the bereft youngsters.

“I know the Strain family personally and the loss of Caitlin has been awful for them, her family and friends and the wider community. Her classmates are missing her terribly. They were all great friends and they are so young to be dealing with this loss. Their mental health is fragile too.

“As a charity, we wanted to do something to help them and under our initiative, ‘Smile for a Child’ we set about seeing if we could take them on a day trip. We contacted St Aengus’ National School and Killian McLaughlin of Wild Ireland to see if we could take her classmates to Wild Ireland for a day of fun. Both the school and Killian immediately agreed.”

Catherine said the day out on Monday last was “really special”.

“We organised to have a bus pick them up from school and take them to Wild Ireland where Killian was waiting there for us with 31 passes.

We spent a really enjoyable hour and a half there and then went for lunch and treats to the IOSAS centre in White Oaks. It was a really beautiful and special day. We’re very grateful to the school and to Killian. It was a very rewarding experience and the children really enjoyed it. I think it helped them, it was a break away.”

Caitlin’s classmates played a role in her funeral mass.

“We attended the funeral and it was just so heartbreaking to see the pupils, dressed in their uniforms, say goodbye to their much-loved friend. Caitlin’s classmates and friends played a very big part in her funeral mass, bringing gifts to the alter and saying prayers. They were a great example of friendship at a time when their little hearts were breaking.

“This will be a very tough Christmas for the Strain family and for Caitlin’s classmates and we want them to know that we are here for them.”

Buncrana’s Children’s Charity formed six years ago. All proceeds raised for everything they do is thanks to the generosity of the public.

See www.buncranascc.com or Buncrana’s Children’s Charity on Facebook or Instagram for more information on their work.