**********UPDATE**********

After setting up the Crowd Funding page on 28th December we feel the need to give everyone an update to the progression that Niamh has made thus far. Firstly, we want to say a huge thanks to all that have donated, it is greatly appreciated.

Since the successful removal of the tumour on Niamh’s brain she has had to remain strong and positive due to complications. Niamh needed to have further surgery to have a shunt inserted in order to drain excess fluid on the brain. Once the specialists at the hospital were satisfied with her progress they were finally allowed to return home on New Years Eve for some rest before Niamh’s next phase of treatment.

The family have been making the 4 hour round trip, often multiple times a week from their home in Galway to the hospital in Dublin which adds strain to the family on many levels both financially and emotionally. Niamh has today started her radiotherapy treatment which she will have daily from Monday to Friday for six weeks. The chemotherapy will also start with one session every week for a period of 6 weeks, meaning this will add significant strain to the family. Jenna (Niamh’s mum) must continue to work and keep the family home going caring for Niamh’s younger sister, whilst Brendan (Niamh’s dad) has to stay away in Dublin to be with Niamh and support her throughout the treatment process.

Niamh has continued to remain positive and is showing us what a determined and courageous little girl she is. Thank you again to everyone who has supported this cause so far, please lets share this with family and friends to get more backing for this amazing family.

**********ORIGINAL POST**********

We have set up this crowdfunding page to help Niamh and her family at this difficult time after the devastating news that Niamh had a brain tumour. Niamh is 5 years old and is quite frankly an inspiration to the human race for the manner in which she has dealt with this situation. She is a very strong, determined and inspirational little girl. I know her family and friends have been praying throughout this and she has taken it all in her stride and is fighting in her uniquely positive and cheerful way.

It started with Niamh complaining about headaches at the rear of her head and she was being sick regularly, naturally her mum and dad Jenna and Brendan were worried. We all quite often brush these things off as kids being hypochondriacs and over reacting and tend not to think too much about it. However, this had been going on for a few days and naturally they were starting to get worried as you can imagine.

Sadly, and shockingly Niamh was sent home after a visit to A&E in the UK with a diagnosis of food poisoning, being told that the symptoms can last for up to 6 weeks. A few days later when they returned to Ireland it became clear this was something more serious than food poisoning and they went straight to the hospital in Galway for a second opinion. It was discovered by the medical professionals after an MRI scan that a brain tumour was present. Niamh was rushed to the hospital in Dublin where a specialist children’s neurological team treated her, which is a two-hour drive from their home.

Niamh has already undergone surgery to remove the tumour which was successful, however it is the beginning of a long road to recovery. Niamh will have to continue to be brave and courageous to overcome the future hurdles she faces, enduring chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

Niamh’s parents have been by her bedside throughout, whilst her younger sister has been cared for by other family members. We are asking everybody for just a little help to help this beautiful family through this awful experience. Any donation would be greatly received and extremely appreciated. People whom know this family personally will understand that they certainly deserve all the support they can get right now.

Thankyou xx