Brave young Evie (3) delighted with her honorary garda status
A TALLAGHT girl with a rare genetic condition was awarded honorary garda status last week, in advance of receiving her official garda badge and uniform in Tallaght Garda Station in the coming weeks.
Three-year-old Evie Purdy from Bancroft is missing a large part of her X-chromosome and has a rare condition called microcephaly with pontine cerebellar hypoplasia, and a mutation in her CASK gene.
The condition stunts the development of Evie’s brain and can cause a wide variety of problems that include a seizure disorder, developmental delays, intellectual disabilities and facial distortions.
Girls born with a mutation in their CASK gene, like Evie, are commonly non-verbal and can find it extremely difficult to walk, if at all.
Last Tuesday, May 31, little Evie was presented with her own garda car, an honorary garda cap and tee-shirt in her grandmother’s house in Aylesbury, by Garda Mairéad Lyttle from Tallaght Garda Station.
Evie Purdy with Garda Mairead Lyttle receiving her new garda car and introductory pack that included an honorary garda cap and tee-shirt
Evie’s mam, Emma Nolan, told The Echo: “They brought Evie a car, which has a remote control and pedals, and I didn’t think Evie could use it, but she was using the pedals.
“I couldn’t believe it when she put her foot on the pedal, she absolutely loved it.
“She was in great form on the day. Garda Mairéad brought Evie a little introductory pack, and a Calming Caterpillar toy.
“In a few weeks, she’ll be given her proper garda badge number and uniform in the garda station.”
The honorary garda award was organised by the Little Blue Heroes Foundation, which was established by garda staff and supports the families of seriously ill children.
These children often become honorary gardaí – a designation that the charity gives to seriously ill children, who then get their own garda uniform and become part of the garda family.
“It was emotional,” reflected Emma. “And under the circumstances of why the Little Blue Heroes give this out to certain children, it’s mixed emotions.
“But they’re such a good charity. Garda Mairead explained to us that if we came into financial difficulty or equipment was needed for Evie, they could help.
DRIVE TIME: Evie Purdy with Garda Mairead Lyttle from Tallaght Garda Station
“I think that’s amazing, knowing that I have that in the background, and that if you ever need something they’re there to help.”
Evie will be one of several children from the local area who will be awarded their official badge numbers at a ceremony in Tallaght Garda Station at a yet-to-be-decided date in the coming weeks.
