Walk to be held in memory of Lorena  

A WALK in memory of a local girl who died at just 20-days-old is being held on the Northside this weekend.

Tomas Fay and Tatiana da Silva Souza, from Fairview, sadly lost their daughter Lorena two years ago.

Lorena was born on July 31, 2016, with Down Syndrome, which was unknown to her parents before the time of her birth.

Additionally, Lorena had Transient Abnormal Myelopoiesis (TAM), the worst transient form of Leukaemia known.

This Saturday, September 8, FirstLight, who support parents and families that have lost a child suddenly, is holding a ‘Dublin Mile in Memory Walk’ at St Anne’s Park, Raheny. 

The walk is an opportunity for parents, families and friends across Dublin to come together and walk in remembrance of all children or young persons who died suddenly.

Sharing their thoughts prior to the event, Tomas said: “Tatiana, and I immediately fell in love with our beautiful little daughter and endeavoured to do everything to save her.” 

Tatiana said Lorena’s death left them heartbroken. 

“However, we have openly accepted the gifts our daughter has given both of us, the main gift being love,” she said.

“Our mission now is to help others who cannot cope so well and try to educate society in dealing with bereaved parents and supporting parents who have lost a child.”

FirstLight, formerly known as the Irish Sudden Infant Death Association (ISIDA), provides crisis intervention and free professional counselling services throughout Ireland 24/7, to bereaved parents and family members who have suddenly lost a child or young person. 

In 2017 over 2,000 children and family members received professional support from FirstLight.

The ambassador for the FirstLight’s Mile in Memory Walks is actress Una Crawford O’Brien, who will be in attendance at St Anne’s Park. 

FirstLight will also have a stall at the Farmers’ Market where people can purchase a FirstLight candle in remembrance of all children or young persons who died suddenly. 

FirstLight’s new corporate partner and Tomas Fay’s employer, Bluestone Motor Finance, recently donated the stall. 

Speaking about their support for the event, Donal Murphy, managing of Bluestone Finance, said: “We are honoured to be associated with this great charity and to be able to support Tom and Tatiana and many others who have experienced similar loss."

The Mile in Memory Walk will be 4km in distance, starting at the FirstLight candle stall directly in front of the Red Stables at 12noon on September 8. 

The walk is expected to take approximately an hour and will conclude back at the FirstLight candle stall where refreshments will be served. The walk is open to everyone and not just parents and families who have lost a child suddenly. You can register by emailing [email protected].