A North Belfast mum has praised local youth groups for helping her daughter to grow in confidence over the years.
When she was five, Abbie McCarthy joined New Lodge Arts, and from there her family say the youngster's confidence has grown and grown. This summer, Abbie, who lives on the Whitewell Road, will travel to Disneyland Paris to perform.
Speaking to Belfast Live, Abbie's mum Colleen says it is a once in a lifetime opportunity for her daughter, who is now 12.
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"It's a bit of everything with Abbie," her mum said.
"She started off in New Lodge Arts when she was five, doing a summer scheme. From then she has just progressed and really found a passion for drama and wants to be on stage and on TV.
"With how well the film industry is developing here, she just really wants to get to that stage. She is still in New Lodge Arts, which is a fantastic spot for young people. She takes part in their pantos and everything else.
"She auditioned for a play in The MAC with JSI in Carryduff. She got a part, which was amazing. She's performed in The MAC twice now, and they also held auditions to perform in Disneyland, which she got.
"Abbie is going to Disneyland Paris to perform in Take us to the Magic. They do that in the Bank Holiday week in August, so we are all going as a family.
"We'll be able to watch her perform in the parade there and then to perform on their stage. That is a major achievement, and a once in a lifetime opportunity for a child from North Belfast.
Colleen says her daughter has also taken to modelling, and recently was crowned with a special award.
"I had seen a post online, but didn't know if it was real," she added.
"I reached out to the group, and then asked Abbie what he thoughts would be, and she jumped at it. She actually won Little Miss Winter Wonderland 2023 for Northern Ireland School of Modelling - we are just so proud of her. Myself and Abbie are going to the Mediterranean next year for a photo shoot.
"Her confidence is getting stronger and stronger. She is the rock in our family, and she is always there for all of us. She has such a caring nature and it just shines through her personality. When coronavirus hit, she wanted to do the 11 Plus. and she missed P5 and P6 in school, and worked so hard to get herself through the 11 Plus and now is at Fortwilliam Grammar School.
"She is an amazing wee girl, and would go without to help others. Her passion for drama, and performing arts, has just really brought out a new side of her. Without her support in the house, with the other children, I would be completely lost.
"We just can't wait to watch her grow in the future, and can't wait to see what life brings for her."
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