A young Donegal boy has been warming hearts around the world for his call for people to stay home and stay safe.

Jack Beattie, from Raphoe, is an honorary garda and put out his appeal through the Little Blue Heroes Foundation.

Jack knows how important health is. He has to deal with osteogenesis imperfecta, also known as brittle bone disease.

The Covid-19 crisis is not the first time Jack has had his social life curtailed. He couldn't have a party for either his seventh or eighth birthdays because of surgeries and was looking forward to a celebration for his ninth birthday on 23 March. Lockdown put paid to that party, but Jack's mother Ruth appealed online for people to soften the blow by sending him cards.

He has received 2,000 cards from all over the world, including some from Canada, the United States and Thailand.

The pandemic has also curbed Jack's recent activities as an honorary garda.

He was given his uniform two years ago by his colleagues at Letterkenny Garda Station and his career has included trips to headquarters in the Phoenix Park in Dublin.

Travel restrictions have limited the scope for the activities of the Little Blue Heroes, a charity founded by garda staff to help families with children who are undergoing long-term medical treatment for illnesses. 

However, Jack was happy to put on his Garda uniform to add his voice to appeals for people to keep up social distancing.

His message to all his friends - online and offline - is that by staying at home and staying safe they will continue to save lives.