Social Affairs

Tributes to Michael Stokes (15) who featured on ‘Room To Improve’

Bannon helped make home wheelchair accessible and suitable for the teenager’s needs

Michael Stokes who died on Saturday.

Aine McMahon
Tue May 8 2018 - 23:01

Tributes have been paid to a teenage boy who featured on RTÉ’s Room To Improve following his death in a fall.

Michael Stokes (15) died at Temple Street Children’s Hospital on Saturday.

The teenager, who spent years in care, was fostered by his teacher Ann Higgins and her husband Barry.

Architect Dermot Bannon went to their home in Malahide in 2016 to make it wheelchair accessible and suitable for Michael’s needs.

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In an Instagram post, he said it had been a privilege to know “this amazing young man”.

Michael appeared on the Late Late Show earlier this year and spoke about being fostered and his delight at his new home.

On that programme Michael said: “I knew Ann because she was my teacher and I met Barry at my communion party. I have my own bed, I have my own desk. I love everything, everything is at my level.”

St Michael’s House, which provides services for people with intellectual disabilities, released a statement following the teenager’s death.

“[Michael Stokes] was a treasure to all who knew him in St Michaels House. Sincere sympathies to his loving family from our board, staff and all his friends.”

A statement from the Central Remedial Clinic read: “The CRC is devastated to hear of the passing of one our students Michael Stokes, he was a ray of sunshine and much loved by everyone, especially all his classmates. We extend our deepest sympathies to Ann & Barry and all his friends and family.

Michael’s removal will take place on Wednesday at the Church of the Sacred Heart, Seabury, Malahide arriving for a Funeral Mass at 10 am, followed by burial in Dardistown Cemetery.

His family asked for donations, if desired, to be given to Temple Street Children’s Hospital.

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