A young west Belfast girl who lost her mother to cancer last year has helped to stage a hospice fundraising morning with her primary school.
Meabh Smith (7) and her fellow pupils at St Kevin’s Primary School on the Falls Road held the pyjama day on Friday, raising over £1,200.
After her mother Leancha passed away from ovarian cancer at the age of 31 last summer, Meabh’s father Christopher and wider family have taken part in several fundraising events to show their appreciation for the care they received in the Northern Ireland Hospice.
Speaking to the Irish News, Mr Smith said the ongoing support from both the school and community had inspired their charity work.
“Since Leancha’s passing, we’ve probably raised between £12 -13,000. That’s through a cupcake sale as well as a reindeer dash in December,” he said.
“Meabh also chatted with her school and organised the event on Friday.
“It’s just to raise awareness for Northern Ireland Hospice and show our support. The main thing is that it was Meabh’s idea which is great.”
- 'She lived her life full of joy' - Husband's tribute to young west Belfast mother who died from ovarian cancerOpens in new window
- Health Minister Robin Swann vows to prioritise pay talks with staffOpens in new window
- Robin Swann asks officials to look urgently at children’s hospice plans to reduce bedsOpens in new window
Thanking the school staff, he said: “I couldn’t have asked for any more from the school and how they responded to the news of Leancha’s passing.
“Meabh’s receiving some support from Barnardo’s as well as they have a counselling service they run one day a week.
“I know that was previously three days a week but the funding was cut for that. We think that’s a pity because it’s such a valuable service.”
Quality time with friends has also provided stability for his daughter through activities like swimming, gymnastics, Girl Guides as well as camogie and football with Davitts GAC.
Last year, he said the hospice became a refuge during the last week’s of Leancha’s life where she was able to spend time with family and friends while being cared for.
“She was also treated as a person, she wasn’t a statistic. We were able to stay overnight and come in and out,” he said.
“Other family members and her friends could visit too. It was a safe space for everyone.
“I know they do that for thousands of families every year. The least we can do to say thanks to them is to help with the fundraising efforts because I know that they are struggling at the moment.
“I saw their children’s hospice was having to reduce their bed capacity because of funding.
“It’s kind of sad to see those services are suffering, because the need for cancer support services is actually on the increase with the number of people being diagnosed.”
The hospice support for the family continued in the months following Leancha’s death, including time with social workers and art therapy.
“It really cements to us that we are part of the hospice family, and even though Leancha is no longer with us, we’re always going to be connected to her through the hospice,” he said.
St Kevin’s Principal Fiona Keegan commented: “We are thrilled to be supporting the NI Hospice today. As a school, we always strive to support each other, raise awareness of health and well-being and to celebrate together when we can.
“Many of our families and staff have been, and continue to be, affected by cancer, so to come together as a school community to raise much needed funds for the NI Hospice, is such a incredible thing to be a part of. The sense of excitement all week has been wonderful.”
