Edel to go under the needle for brave Merryn

A NORTHSIDE woman will get a tattoo while blindfolded next month to raise funds for a brave little girl who has cancer.

On May 6, Edel Kennedy, from Balbriggan, will put herself in the capable hands of tattoo artists at Swords Ink, for Merryn Lacy’s cause.

In 2013, Merryn, from Donabate, was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma, an aggressive cancer of the nervous system.

The little girl has undergone intensive chemotherapy since and two weeks ago underwent surgery at Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin, to remove a tumour. Incredibly, she was up and about 48 hours later.

Merryn (5) is a pupil at Balbriggan Educate Together School, and after Edel heard her story, she felt she had to get involved in fundraising for the family.

Edel told Northside People:

“I heard about Merryn through Facebook and locally in Balbriggan because she goes to school in the town.

“In February 2011, I lost my own daughter when I was six months pregnant. I called her Holly and in memory of her I got two tattoos on my arms with messages to remind me of her. I also have a tattoo of a cancer ribbon which I got done as part of a fundraiser.

“This is what gave me the idea to do something to help Merryn. A lot of people do head shaves and run in the mini marathon, which is great, but I really wanted to do something that was different.

“I was racking my brains to see what I could come up with to raise funds and settled on the blind tattoo.

“I approached Swords Ink about getting a tattoo while blindfolded and they were great about it.

“I don’t care what size the tattoo is, where it’s going on my body or what colour it is. I just want a tattoo that celebrates life. I’ve no idea what it will be or what it will look like when it’s finished. I will be leaving it up to the tattoo artist.

“It will be no big deal to live with a tattoo – look what Merryn has to live with.

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When Edel settled on her fundraising idea last month, she got in touch with Merryn’s parents, Michael and Jenny, with whom she had no previous connection.

“They were delighted with the idea,

? said Edel.

“I know the pain of losing a child, but watching your little one battle and suffer every day to try beat a cruel disease must be heartbreaking.

“I can only imagine how helpless you must feel if you haven’t got the money for treatment that could save your child’s life.

“Every child deserves the gift of life and if me, my friends and family can help, we will be contributing to saving this precious life.

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Edel, who has three children of her own – aged six, two and one – said funds are desperately needed now for Merryn as she battles for survival. I hope to get as many sponsors as possible.

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Edel would like to say a huge thanks to the people who have donated to her fundraiser so far, including the Bridal Studio in Drogheda who sponsored her e75 and Supervalu for the spot prize.

“I would also like to thank Swords Ink who are very kindly doing the tattoo for free,

? she added.

If you would like to sponsor Edel, email

[email protected] or visit The Blind Tattoo on Facebook.

Meanwhile, further information on Merryn can be found on her facebook page www.facebook.com/merrynlacy.