A 10-year-old boy killed in a farming accident in Northern Ireland received skin grafts for an earlier life-threatening mishap, it has been revealed.
Aaron Macaulay died when he fell from agricultural machinery in rural east Co Down on Tuesday. It was the third tragedy to hit Northern Ireland’s farming community in a week and sparked calls for further safety precautions.
Mourners at his funeral in Drumgooland Presbyterian Church near Banbridge yesterday were told he had already suffered a serious accident aged two, leaving him with a damaged arm which needed surgery and skin grafts at regular intervals.
'Bravery'
Reverend Michael Davidson said: "He showed his strength and bravery every day. He never complained about his arm although he was probably more troubled by it than anybody knew and he would often get tired in the afternoon at school.
Thanks to the efforts of the staff in the Children’s Hospital in Belfast, Aaron’s life was saved after the first accident.
The minister added: “The fact that Aaron was so full of life and so full of fun was all the more special because of what he had come through.
“Aaron’s life was shaped by that accident. I think because of it he became even more precious to his family and to all of us.”
Health and safety inspectors are investigating his death in Ballyward, close to Castlewellan.
Aaron came from a well-respected family active within the local church and members of the community have been left distressed by the tragedy. He had two older sisters, Helen and Hazel, and two older brothers, Matthew and Jack.
His parents, Maurice and Wendy Macaulay, are well-known locally as farmers and members of the church.
Rev Davidson said the child had a huge personality. “Aaron grew into a boy who was full of life and full of fun, who lived life to the full,” he said.
The community has rallied around the family, 40 people helping in the yard and house the night of the accident.
An earlier private service at the Macaulay’s home at Rathfriland Road, Ballyward, was held. Following the church service, a burial took place in the graveyard adjoining Drumgooland Presbyterian.
– (PA)