My name is Ruairi Conneely. On 13th March 2011 my niece Aisling (pictured) died from a rare form of cervical cancer - aged 14.

In memory of Aisling,  I am launching  “The Aisling Appeal” to raise funds for  St John's Ward at Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin, where Aisling was treated. I am planning an ascent of The Matterhorn in the summer and in the process aim to raise a significant amount for the refurbishment project of St John’s Ward. This event is being run in association with the Ireland Fund (of which i am a Trustee), and The Childrens Medical & Research Foundation. The extension and refurbishment of St John's Ward will provide 21 ensuite rooms, a new bone marrow transplant unit and some much needed leisure space for the children and teenagers being treated at the hospital. The cost for all this is €4M of which €2M has already been allocated by the research foundation.

Here is Aisling's Story as told by her mum, Finola.

Aisling was diagnosed with a rare form of a cervical tumour on March 3rd 2010. She was 13 years of age and had experienced pain in her leg over the previous 3 months.

Aisling died on March 13th 2011, having coped with her illness without despair.

Aisling attended Primary school at Scoil Mhuire, Lakelands, Sandymount in Dublin for 8 years. During that time she had the unique accolade of being one of four siblings in the school- twice!

Aisling went to secondary school to Muckross Park College in Donnybrook,Dublin 4, where she blossomed. She loved her school, her friends and the activities she got involved in. Not only did she  have the friends from Sandymount she grew up with, but she also had a lovely new group of friends she met in 1st year in Muckross. They all have remained a big part of our lives since Aisling’s passing.

Aisling attended Crumlin Hospital where she was treated with the greatest of respect and dignity. Although initially there didn’t seem to be a treatment for Aisling, Dr. Michael Capra and his team were open to a treatment that we feel gave Aisling more time but not necesssarily a cure.

Exactly 2 weeks before Aisling died she attended an Usher concert in the O2 in Dublin. It took a lot of strength of character on her part to get there.

Aisling died on a Sunday night. On the Friday before,she watched Ireland U-20's rugby team in a terrific match followed by a gruesome episode of Criminal Minds. On Saturday she watched Ireland being beaten by Wales in the 6-Nations.

On Sunday, following Mass by her bedside, surrounded by her family, she died.

 

Dr Michael Capra, Consultant Oncologist at the hospital, had the following to say about my appeal.
“There’s a very special and urgent reason to support the Aisling Appeal – to upgrade the Bone Marrow Transplant Unit in St John’s  Ward. For children with cancer and other life-threatening conditions whose bodies aren’t creating the healthy blood cells that they rely on, Bone marrow transplant is a critical and hugely delicate procedure. It’s an intensive, challenging treatment, and the child’s young life hangs in the balance. In Aisling’s memory please support Ruairi’s Matterhorn climb with whatever you can afford.  Every penny is vital to the success of this appeal.”

 

So please donate to this appeal and lets raise as much money as we can to help this worthy cause. Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

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So please dig deep and donate now.