Why NAHT is fundraising for Motor Neurone Disease Association

Colm Davis, former Vice President of NAHT (2016/17), has made a valuable impact in the education sector. He's been heavily involved in the work of the head teachers' union NAHT for many years, and has been principal of Tor Bank School in Belfast for 14 years. Tor Bank is a special school, with 200 children with severe learning disabilities, and about 120 staff. Great things have been achieved by Colm and his team, not least an 'Outstanding' Ofsted rating, which has held firm for the last six years. “The staff are brilliant and the kids deserve only the best,” Colm said recently in an interview. His work has raised the profile of Northern Ireland education issues, especially the challenging issues facing SEN schools within Northern Ireland.

"By getting involved in lobbying our local Government Assembly the profile of these children has been raised and important decisions made at local level,” he says.

Sadly in 2016 Colm was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND), and he recently decided not to take on the role of President at NAHT for this reason. Colm's hard work and determination throughout his career have earned him a great reputation as an inspirational school leader, a much-loved community figure, and a committed NAHT colleague. We know Colm has given everything he possibly can, and we respect his need now to focus on his health and his family.

Kim Johnson, NAHT National President 2016/17 says: "In 2016 Colm was given the prestigious opportunity for and on behalf of Special Education, Northern Ireland and school/academy leaders when he became NAHT's National Vice President. Colm is a hugely admired and respected individual leading the wonderful community of Tor Bank Special School in Belfast where he has been a true servant to children with disabilities, their families, his staff team and his leadership colleagues in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

"In the summer of 2016 he was diagnosed with MND and suddenly
his world was turned upside down. His positive demeanor and relentless drive to support others now being the very strength he has to manage his own health and well-being, and lead as normal a life as his condition will allow."

"NAHT has chosen the MND Association as its Charity for the Presidential year 2017-18. We hope and trust that you will support this charity too by making a donation in the name of our dear friend and colleague Colm."

NAHT would like to raise funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association as a mark of our appreciation of Colm's work and his unswerving dedication to the cause of excellent teaching for all.

Thank you so much for visiting our JustGiving page raising money for the MND Association. By donating, your money will help people affected by Motor Neurone Disease. The MND Association is the only national charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland dedicated to improve care and support for people affected by MND. Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and secure. With JustGiving your details are safe - they'll never sell them or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the MND Association.

On behalf of NAHT, the head teacher's union, thank you for your kind donation.