Robyn’s Rihanna guitar hits the right note

THE new year got off to a swinging start for Northsider Michael Ryan when he won a signed Rihanna guitar that was raffled on December 31st at a fundraiser for Robyn Smyth.

The guitar was donated to Robyn’s Life Trust by the world famous R&B singer after she heard about the Whitehall youngster’s battle with neuroblastoma from Finglas medium, Geoff Keat­ing, who has worked with the superstar.

Robyn (9) had been undergoing treatment for the cancer at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) in the US but was allowed home for Christmas.

That meant she was able to personally attend the New Year’s Eve Charity Ball held to help fundraise for her expensive treatment, and she was the centre of attention as she pulled out Michael Ryan’s winning ticket for the Rihanna guitar.

Michael, who bought his ticket through St Colmcilles GAA Club in Swords, wasn’t there to claim his prize but his sister, Carol O’Mahoney and nieces Megan (7) and Laura (11) collected it from Robyn’s aunt, Cathy Doran, on his behalf last week.

Robyn is now undergoing chemotherapy treatment with Crumlin Children’s Hospital and granddad Collie Doran says the family are happy with the care she’s getting there.

“The staff are very good to her there,

? he told Northside People.

Robyn is still facing an uncertain future and is waiting for the next phase of treatment. She may undergo an MIBG scan in the UK to look for uncontrolled or abnormal cell growth but the family expect she’ll eventually return to the US for further specialist treatment.

In the meantime a number of fundraising activities are being planned to help pay for the cost of treatment abroad, which could cost upwards of e500,000.

The family are appealing to anybody planning to take part in this year’s Flora Mini-Marathon to do so in aid of Robyn’s Life Trust. Online and postal entries open on February 19 and the Mini-Marathon takes place on June 2.

A fundraising poker tournament is taking place at the Penthouse Casino, Swords, on Saturday, February 8.