‘LITTLE BLUE HERO’ |
Each year the approved housing body Co-operative Housing Ireland hold a gardening competition to celebrate the creativity and community spirit of members
Peter Harding Downes from Wicklow, whose enchanting “fairy garden” captured the judges’ hearts.
Peter Harding Downes with Aoife Kirk and Dave Mayner from CHI, his brothers Robert and Christopher Harding Downes and dad Cillian Harding Downes and mum Sarah.
Peter Harding Downes with community Garda Niall Kennedy of Wicklow town. Peter is an honorary ‘Little Blue Hero’ Garda.
Prize-winner Peter Harding Downes with his mum Sarah Kennedy.
A resilient six-year-old Wicklow boy, born with a rare heart condition, captured the hearts of the judges behind a gardening competition with his inspiring ‘fairy garden’ entry.
Each year the approved housing body Co-operative Housing Ireland hold a gardening competition to celebrate the creativity and community spirit of members, and this year’s stop prize goes to Peter Harding Downes, who wowed the judges with his ‘fairy house’ complete with hanging baskets ad decorated with tiny pots, fairy figures, and proudly marked with the family’s own house number.
Peter lives at Hazelbrook Rise in Rathnew with his mum Sarah and younger twin brothers.
Born with a rare heart condition, Peter has undergone eight major surgeries since infancy.
Peter Harding Downes from Wicklow, whose enchanting “fairy garden” captured the judges’ hearts.
News in 90 Seconds – Monday, November 10th
His love of fairies began while recovering in hospital, where nurses used fairy doors to encourage him to walk and play. He gets particular joy from the family home garden each and every day.
“Having this home gave Peter the stability he needs,” said Sarah. “We wouldn’t be where we are without Co-operative Housing Ireland. The competition was such a lovely way for him to take pride in where we live.”
When asked what he likes most about his fairy garden, Peter’s answer was simple: “Because they’re magic.”
Community engagement specialist with Co-operative Housing Ireland Aoife Kirk said: “Member engagement is at the heart of what we do. Peter’s story shows how a simple idea, like a gardening competition, can have a lasting impact on wellbeing, community connection, and a sense of home.”
Peter is also an honorary garda having been bestowed with ‘Little Blue Hero’ status by gardaí at Wicklow Garda Station.
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