The Drumquin Community are coming together to raise money for a local family who have just had their world ripped apart.

On 12th June this year, Danielle Donnelly gave birth to a beautiful baby boy Jamie, a much-loved son for her and her fiancé Darren and baby brother for Edward (17), Shanice (14), Kayla (11) and Tiana (2 ½).

Danielle hadn’t had an easy pregnancy and felt quite unwell for the most of it, feeling very sick and unable to eat, especially in the last few weeks. When this didn’t go away after Jamie’s arrival, concerns were raised, and she went back to hospital where she was referred for further investigations. Initially, it was hoped that it may be gallstones or something else that could be treated. However, when Jamie was just two weeks old, Danielle was diagnosed with an adenocarcinoma of the stomach. Danielle and Darren were told that whilst there would be treatment, this is a very aggressive cancer, and it will return. The Consultant told them that they should go home and make memories with their young family. Absolutely heart-breaking news to receive. This family should have been enjoying their first few weeks as a family of seven, dealing with the normal upheaval that life with a newborn brings, but instead they were given the worst news that they could have imagined.

Danielle was admitted to SWAH in the middle of July and then transferred to Belfast City Hospital where she had the tumour removed along with ¾ of her stomach.

Since the middle of Sept, Danielle has been receiving Chemo every two weeks, which has understandably been exceptionally tough on her. Her body should have been recovering from her pregnancy, but she has been thrown into a gruelling treatment to give her as much time as possible with her kids. The Chemo has also been tough on Darren and the kids, watching Danielle suffer is so hard for them all to have to go through. All any mother wants to do is look after their kids, but Danielle is struggling to look after herself most days never mind caring for five kids.

We want to raise money so that they can spend some quality time together, making some memories. This money will go direct to Danielle and Darren and whilst it won’t be the answer to their problems it will hopefully help to make things a little easier for them. As a community, we would like to pull together and support his young family going through this terrible time. The family are well known throughout the community; Edward and Shanice playing Gaelic with Wolfe Tones GFC, Darren and Edward playing football for Drumquin United, and Danielle being involved in their committee and Darren and Danielle both involved with Rallying. We would like people involved in these organisations to help out and spread the word amongst friends.

We would ask you to please give whatever you can afford. We know that times are difficult for a lot of people this year financially, but this is an exceptionally tough time for this family and by coming together as a community we can help to ease the burden on them a little.