Battling Cian’s Croker climb

A BRAVE little Northside boy born with an extremely rare condition that requires round-the-clock care teamed up recently with the son of a GAA legend to climb a hill in aid of the charity that’s helping them both.

Cian Oliver Byrne (2) from Finglas was diagnosed with a genetic syndrome called Cri Du Chat (Cry of the Cat) four weeks after he was born.

There are only a handful of other cases in Ireland and there’s no cure or specific treatment for the condition. Cian, who also has partial Down Syndrome, has difficulty swallowing meaning he’s constantly at risk of choking.

He needs to be suctioned several times a day through his nose and throat to stay alive and depends on family and nurses from the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation to keep his routine going.

The cost of care for Cian is astronomical and he depends on fundraisers to have the cost of his needs met.

Last month Cian and his dad, Andy Byrne, were delighted to be joined by Dubs legend, John O’Leary and his son, Tom, for a charity event at Croke Park.

Tom has a rare chromosomal disorder and also gets support from the Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation and so the daddy duo were delighted to be able to do something to help out the charity.

John and Andy carried their sons on their shoulders up Hill 16 for the foundation’s ‘Up The Hill’ initiative that took place during October.

Cian and Andy were cheered on by Andy’s wife Joanne, Cian’s brother Shane and his auntie Lisa. And despite the little fellah’s condition, Andy says Cian was delighted to be carried shoulder-high up Hill 16.

“His condition has never stopped him from adventure,” Andy says.

Cian’s grandparents live in the shadow of Croke Park, so Hill 16 was a natural choice for his ‘Up The Hill’ challenge.

Former Dublin goalkeeper and double All Ireland winner John O’Leary was also thrilled be back at Croker for such a worthy cause.

“Hill 16 is a very special place of inspiration and motivation for all the family,” he explained.

Father and son were cheered on by John’s wife Catherine and son Jack (6) during their challenge.

Jack & Jill nurses Sinead Moran and Caroline Thomas were also there on the day and thanked the GAA for allowing the children and their families to make the very special Hill 16 climb.

The charity used the campaign to build awareness of the families with sick children that it helps from birth to four-years-old.

It was a reminder of the hill the families climb every day to keep their child well cared for at home, where they belong.

With less than 20 per cent of its funding coming from the State, the Jack & Jill Foundation relies on the generosity of the public and campaigns like ‘Up the Hill for Jack & Jill’ to keep going.

To find out more visit www.jackandjill.ie