A north Antrim couple has been recognised for their work to improve bereavement care in Northern Ireland.

Johnny and Corrina McAleese received the Overcoming Adversity Award at the Spirit of Northern Ireland Awards on Friday, 18 September. The ceremony was held at the Culloden Hotel in partnership with Ulster Bank.

The couple established Noah's Story after their son Noah died in a farm accident in 2022. They have since worked to support families experiencing the loss of a loved one.

In 2025, a specialist bereavement suite named in Noah's honour opened at Causeway Hospital in Coleraine. The facility provides a dedicated space for families during difficult times.

The McAleeses have said they hope similar bereavement facilities can be introduced at hospitals across Northern Ireland.

Terry Robb, Head of Branch and Local Banking at Ulster Bank, congratulated all award winners. He described the event as a celebration of community spirit and said it was a privilege for the bank to be involved.

The Spirit of Northern Ireland Awards recognise people whose courage, community contribution and dedication have made a difference to others. Other recipients this year included a mental health campaigner from Belfast, an RNLI volunteer from Bangor and a retired GP who provided palliative care services in south Down.

Famous faces from sport, television, film and music attended the event, including stars of the BBC drama Blue Lights, Bob Geldof and the Irish pop group B*Witched, which performed.