Mum needs help to provide toys for sick children

A NORTHSIDE mother is appealing to the public to help her continue a tradition of giving to sick children, which she has done every year since her two-year-old daughter died of cancer.

Michelle Maguire, from Buttercup Park in Darndale, will hold a fundraiser next week to raise money to pay for toys for the cancer ward in Crumlin Hospital.

Michelle’s daughter, Rachel, lost her battle with cancer seven years ago in St John’s Ward in Crumlin.

The little tot had been diagnosed with Neuroblastoma when she was 13-months-old and underwent chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery to remove the tumor.

Sadly Rachel passed away at the tender age of just two in the hospital.

Since her death Michelle has bought toys for St John’s Ward which she delivers each Christmas.

“If Rachel was alive I would be buying her birthday and Christmas presents each year so I thought why not put that money towards toys for children in the cancer ward,

? she told Northside People.

“I’ve been doing that off my own bat and out of my own pocket since Rachel died but I just can’t afford to do it this year because my hours in work have been cut.

“I want to be able to continue the tradition so I’m hoping that I can raise enough money through a raffle to buy the toys this year.

“I guess you could say it’s therapeutic to be able to give something back to St John’s Ward but also it’s very sad to see the unit getting bigger with more and more patients each year.

?

Michelle praised the staff and consultants who work in Crumlin Hospital where she said she and her family had practically lived while Rachel battled cancer.

“We lived in the hospital for the best part of a year which was a real eye-opener for me,

? she said.

“It was just heartbreaking to see how many children are battling such terrible illnesses. I know first hand how the world and your life outside the hospital just stops when your child is ill and getting treatment.

?

Rachel was Michelle’s third child and she has had two other children since her passing.

She said she wholeheartedly empathises with families who lose a child and said that no matter what the child’s age or the circumstance, it is still every parent’s worst nightmare.

A raffle will be held in Our Lady Immaculate Church in Darndale on Sunday, November 4.

Tickets can be purchased in the church or from Michelle Maguire who can be contacted on 085-8136267.