The Duke of Edinburgh has visited a Co Down manufacturing company that specialises in improving the quality of life of children with additional needs.
Prince Edward visited Leckey’s Lisburn site on the second day of his tour of Northern Ireland yesterday.
He was presented with a GAA jersey, hurley stick, sliotar and a lesson in wheelchair Gaelic football during a visit to Armagh’s St Catherine’s College on Wednesday.
Prince Edward, who has been patron of the British Paralympic Association since 2003, was yesterday given a tour of Leckey’s manufacturing facilities.
The company was established in 1983 to improve the quality of life of children with additional needs through providing innovative equipment to support posture.
In attendance during the visit was Lord Lieutenant of Co Antrim David McCorkell, High Sheriff of Co Antrim Patricia Perry, Mayor of Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council (LCCC) Kurtis Dickson, Lagan Valley MP Sorcha Eastwood and LCCC chief executive David Burns.
The duke was met by Erwin McKee, general manager of Leckey, Firefly and Sunrise Medical UK.
Mr McKee delivered a tour of the Leckey facilities, where Edward also met with the engineering, operations, marketing and clinical teams behind the development of the firm’s innovative paediatric products.
The prince saw first-hand the impact the equipment has on the lives of children
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Mayor Mr Dickson said it was a “privilege” to welcome the Duke of Edinburgh and showcase the “incredible” work being done at Leckey.
“Leckey’s contribution to our local economy and its commitment to excellence reflects the strength and talent we have here in Lisburn and Castlereagh,” he added.
“This visit is a testament to their hard work, and I am proud that our city can be home to a business that makes such a profound difference.”
Mr McKee said: “We are incredibly proud to welcome The Duke of Edinburgh to Leckey today.
“The work we do at Leckey provides products that help children with additional needs feel physically and emotionally supported every day.
“To be recognised for our work and the impact we make in these children’s lives is very rewarding, not only to myself but to my world-class team, who push boundaries daily and deliver on our goals.
“As a patron of the British Paralympic Association and an advocate for children with disabilities living life to the fullest, it has been an honour to be able to show His Royal Highness the work that the Leckey team does.”
Leckey employs more than 150 people and was recently been recognised as an award-winning company.
Earlier this year, the company won the Medical, Live Sciences and Healthcare Award for Made in UK.
It was also recognised locally at Made in Northern Ireland 2023, Women in Business 2023, and the Lisburn and Castlereagh Business in 2023 for Best company to work for and Excellence in Customer Service.