Michael McKillop, who won four Paralympic gold medals at the Beijing, London and Rio Games, has accepted an ambassador position with the Northern Ireland Children's Hospice.

The hospice runs an in-patient unit at Horizon House in Newtownabbey, close to McKillop's hometown. McKillop lives with cerebral palsy and epilepsy. He has visited the unit to meet children in care and show them his medals. Last summer, he participated in a hockey event there to raise funds, organised by the Belfast Giants' Odyssey Trust.

In the role, McKillop will support hospice initiatives including Children's Hospice Week, Hospice Walks, the Festive 5k and Little Stars Appeal. His work will focus on raising awareness of palliative care for children with complex needs and securing financial support.

Emma McManus, care team manager at the hospice, stated that McKillop suits the position well. She pointed to his previous visits after Paralympic achievements and his experience as a parent dealing with similar health issues faced by the children and families.

The Northern Ireland Children's Hospice delivers specialist palliative care services to children throughout the region and assists their families with complex medical conditions.