A Co Fermanagh schoolgirl who is too unwell to attend school due to cancer treatment has been helped by a specialist robot which keeps her in touch with her friends and teachers.
Lucy Roberts, nine, from Newtownbutler, is one of 15 young people at The Children’s Cancer Unit for Charity who currently benefits from the technology.
The robot sits in a classroom whilst it is controlled from home by young people receiving cancer treatment who cannot attend school.
The robot Lucy has been using sits in her classroom at Newtownbutler Primary School and is controlled by Lucy from home, allowing her to interact with her classmates and teacher, helping to keep her connected to school life whilst she can’t physically attend.
Her mum Caroline said: “Lucy’s robot has been a lifeline to us while she takes time out from school to receive her treatment.
“She loves school and loves to spend time with her friends, so being able to interact with her class via the robot has allowed her to be part of the school community again.
“We’re so pleased Newtownbutler Primary School welcomed this with open arms, as it has made a huge difference to Lucy during this really difficult time.”
Jacqueline Wilkinson from The Children’s Cancer Unit Charity said the robotics programme was a really tangible way to help children living with cancer in Northern Ireland.
“We understand the impact long-term treatment can have on the emotional and social wellbeing of these children, especially when they have to miss out on long periods of school,” Jaccqueline said.
“That’s why we launched this important initiative, to help get children back in the classroom so they can see their friends again and continue to be part of their normal everyday routine.”
The initiative is being supported by Charles Hurst Toyota, with the local auto dealership funding the purchase of an additional robot for the charity.
“It has been very special for us to see how wonderful this robotics unit has been for Lucy,” Charles Hurst Toyota Franchise Manager Luke McCready said.
“When we heard about The Children’s Cancer Unit Charity’s Robotics programme, we knew we wanted to try and help get another robot available for CCUC to use.”
