FOR MASON

The Larne Pool League were delighted to present a cheque this week for £734.00 to the parents of young Mason McCombe, raised for the League's annual nominated Charity of the last Pool season played before Covid 19. 

In the top photo. Mason on his favourite seat along with parents Jim and Alison and League Secretary Scott Hutchinson.

Bottom photo. Mason with League Chairman Bill McIlroy Sr and Secretary Scott Hutchinson.

"" Mason is 14 years old and has a genetic condition called Fragile X Syndrome. This means his X chromosome is damaged and due to this he suffers from Autism, Global Developmental Delay, Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties, Anxiety, displays Challenging Behaviour and has limited speech. He suffers from low muscle tone and is prone to episodes of absences, which are a form of epilepsy.

Mason has no sense of danger and will never be able to live on his own. He can cause injury to himself due to getting anxious in situations he has no control over.
Mason attends Roddensvale School and is in a small class of 6 pupils. The school have recognised that certain things help Mason to remain calm and deal with challenging situations.
He goes to the Hydro Pool and especially loves the Sensory Room. Both of these help him to relax and keep calm.
We applied for grants to provide a sensory room at home for Mason to enable him to have a safe relaxing space of his own and help him deal with any issues that can cause challenging behaviour.
Unfortunately our application was unsuccessful but friends and family began fundraising to enable this to happen for Mason.
We are overwhelmed by the support we received from friends, family, the local dart league, community group, Larne Rangers Club to name but a few and have almost reached the target of £6,000 needed to provide a sensory room for Mason. Everything has been ordered and a team of specialists from The Learning Space in Belfast will oversee the work until completion.
This will make such a difference to our wee boys life and we will never be able to thank everyone who helped in anyway enough ""
Alison & Jim McCombe