Lucy Gallagher and her parents Gary and Carleen are joined by Daniel O'Donnell to celebrate Ichthyosis Awareness Month 2019 at Scoil Roisin

Little Lucy shows she’s one of a kind with celebrity pal Daniel

By Rachel McLaughlin • 6 years ago

May
2019

An inspirational Donegal girl was joined by singing star Daniel O’Donnell at school today to celebrate her uniqueness in a special way.

Scoil Roisín pupil Lucy Gallagher is the only person in Ireland to have a rare genetic skin condition called Harlequin Ichthyosis. But despite her challenges, the popular six-year-old from Maghery enjoys school life to the full.

Lucy’s classmates and teachers at Scoil Roisin decided to host ‘Ichthyosis Awareness Month’ this May to learn more about the condition.

Lucy Gallagher and her parents Gary and Carleen are joined by Daniel O’Donnell to celebrate Ichthyosis Awareness Month 2019 at Scoil Roisin

The Gaeltacht school really got into the spirit today as they put on a concert to sing ‘This is Me‘ from The Greatest Showman to signify their individuality and togetherness.

Singing loudly among them was Daniel O’Donnell, who was honoured to meet up with his young friend Lucy again. Lucy’s parents Gary and Carleen also visited to join the fun.

Video via Daniel O’Donnell

Lucy is an inspirational girl who proves that although life can be very tough dealing with the daunting condition Harlequin Ichthyosis, she is tenacious and spirited and enjoys life to the full.

Scoil Roisin Principal Mrs Ferry describes Lucy as “a confident, determined and vibrant shining light in our school. A little girl who wins the heart of everyone she meets.”

Daniel O’Donnell and Lucy Gallagher

Ichthyosis Awareness Month is making waves in Scoil Roisin this month as pupils gain a greater understanding of Lucy’s journey, which requires ongoing perseverance and treatment. Ichthyosis is an umbrella term for many skin conditions of which Harlequin is the most severe. The genetic disorder causes thickened skin and extreme scaling.

Lucy is the only person to live with the rare condition in Ireland, but she recently made a friend from Chicago who shares her experiences. Lucy and Brenna not only share the same age, but also Harlequin Ichthyosis.

Lucy’s classmates at Scoil Roisin are not just learning about Ichthyosis this month, but they are learning to appreciate everyone’s qualities. This was shown at today’s concert when the children designed individual placards to highlight how each child is unique in their own way and proudly wore blue ribbons in support of Lucy.