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Irish Examiner
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
'Saoírse is my guiding light — I feel she's minding us up there'
'SAOÍRSE was the one who made me a mother,' says Roseanna Ruane, recalling the January 2012 night when her precious firstborn arrived. 'The night I had her, I remember the enormous love I felt. I remember turning to my dad, asking him, 'How did you share out all the love you had as a parent to all of your children?' I was so in love with her.' Saoírse was all about love. The 12-year-old passed away following a long battle with cancer in March 2024, the Galway girl who had won the hearts of Ireland with her Late Late Toy Show appearance in 2020. 'A big part was she was so pleasant and happy-go-lucky, people loved her nature,' says Ruane. Among the memories that sustain her, that give her a guide for how to go on, is a walk down Grafton St a few years ago. 'I was looking in a shop window when Saoírse saw someone fundraising. She said to Ollie, 'I want to give something to that man'. She put her hand in her bag and took out what she had — €30. Ollie, trying to teach her about money, said, 'You don't have to give it all'. 'When she was asked later why she felt she wanted to do that, she said, 'Because I thought they needed it more than I did'. That was very much her. She was always kind and giving. We learned from her. Children look up to their parents. I look up to her. She's my guiding light. I feel she's minding us up there.' Bernadette McGarvey, from Cancer Fund for Children, and Roseanna Ruane pictured at the launch of the BPerfect Cosmetics 'Saoirse & Mamma' Collection in aid of Children's Cancer Charities at The Leinster,Dublin. Picture Brian McEvoy Over the past year, Roseanna and BPerfect Cosmetics founder Brendan McDowell have been collaborating on a new collection in memory of Saoírse. The limited-edition, four-piece make-up capsule — named the Saoírse & Mamma Collection — launched last week in Dublin. 'Saoírse loved her lip gloss and her eye shadow and anything that sparkled. It was a good fit,' says Ruane, recalling when the brand first approached her in 2023, that she asked Saoírse's opinion on it. 'Because it was always a Saoírse and Mamma page, I'd ask Saoírse what she thought of any partnerships, out of respect for her. And when I asked how she felt about this one, she reacted so well. She always just wanted me to smile and be happy. She was a real girly girl, who loved her make-up, too.' All proceeds from the collection go to two children's cancer charities: Co Galway-based Hand in Hand, and Cancer Fund for Children. So far, €140,000 of the €200,000 target goal has been raised to support families navigating childhood cancer. Recalling a vow she made 'to give back' when the family was starting on their cancer journey with Saoírse, Ruane says: 'A social worker told us a particular charity would give a grant to a family in this situation. I broke down crying. The amount of money —you could use it to pay your mortgage for a month or your groceries for a few weeks. I vowed I'd give back to that charity and to any others, though I didn't know how we'd do it.' Cancer had spread Saoirse Ruane with her mum Roseanna from Galway, pictured on the set of The Late Late Show for a segment on the The RTÉ Toy Show Appeal. Picture Andres Poveda A fundraiser was why Saoírse wanted to be at school on the last day before the 2023 Christmas holidays. It turned out to be her final day ever in Kiltullagh NS. 'She had to go for a CT scan, but was adamant she wanted to go into school, because of the fundraiser that day. She begged me to not miss school, so I had to work my magic to get her a very early scan in Galway. She was in school for 9.25 — she was thrilled.' By then things had started to take a turn for the worse. Ruane says the hospital rang two hours later to say the findings weren't good — they needed Saoírse back in. 'I had to go into school, take her out again at 12, do what we always did: Pretend everything was OK, smile. On that return journey to UCHG, we discovered the cancer had spread to numerous other places. 'It was a very difficult day. We were finding out more bad news. But Saoírse had got to do what was important to her and that made her happy, which, in turn, made us happy.' Roseanna doesn't 'know how' she and Ollie got through the ordeal. 'It was bad news after bad news and, you know, we did what we needed to do: Got her the care, the second opinions, got her very well looked after. In the end, cancer won.' Support from the public helped. 'When they found cancer in her lung in May 2022, Saoírse was very well known at that stage. We got a lot of support. We asked for prayers, for people to light candles, and they did. The people of Ireland willed her on. They became so invested in her journey.' How are she, Ollie, and six-year-old Farrah Rose doing? 'I don't know how we're doing, really. It's not something you can compare,' says Ruane, who believes people can't grasp the grief of losing a child unless they've experienced it. 'People are empathetic, but they don't fully understand the magnitude of the loss, the pain. There are certain people [with similar losses] we've bonded with, who we meet, chat with. That's comforting.' No two people grieve in the same way. 'Even myself and Ollie wouldn't be grieving the same way at the very same time. If I'm having a hard day, he mightn't be and then he's my support, and vice versa. 'I just have to keep busy. And it's very important to get up for Farrah Rose every day. What good would I be to her if I was to stay in bed? Life has been hard on her — she deserves to have some kind of happiness in her childhood.' Farrah Rose was five when her sister died. 'The two got on brilliantly together. They loved each other's company. That's the hardest part — that friendship, her best friend, taken from her. She's very young to understand it all. Sometimes, she'll ask, 'Why?', and we sit and try to explain as best we can. We say, 'We'll be able to tell you more when you're older'. 'She actually prays to Saoírse, sends little wishes up to her, and talks to her at night. She refers to her a lot — 'There's a butterfly, that's Saoírse coming to say hello', or 'Look, a robin, there's Saoírse'.' Ruane never shies away from speaking about Saoírse. 'The way I look at it, she should be here and she's not, and why should we stop talking about her?' Trying to be grateful Saoirse Ruane, pictured at The Late Late Toy Show 2020. Ruane's charity work, always in Saoírse's honour, sustains her. And energy healing helps hugely. 'Some people do counselling. I do energy healing. I find it really helps. It involves talking, part grief counselling, grounding where the healer grounds me and maybe sets me up for something big coming up and keeps my vibrations high. I'm very much in to what we put out in the universe, we get back. 'Gratitude is huge. It can be hard to be grateful. I'd been journalling, writing down what I was grateful for, but I went through a stage when Saoírse relapsed where I scrapped it and said, 'What's the point?' But I've slowly gone back to it — I find being grateful rewards you in its own way,' she says, recalling how Saoírse 'loved the archangels and her little crystals'. When Ruane — at home in Galway — was putting together ideas, colours, and textures for the just-launched cosmetics range, she found herself pulled up short. 'A rainbow appeared on the bed where I had all the stuff laid out. It was from a dream-catcher. And when I arrived up to Belfast, sat down for the day to talk about the collection, a rainbow appeared on the floor, as bright as anything, and there was no sun-catcher. I just felt: Saoírse's here, she wants this. She's setting up the things to do in her name.' The Saoírse & Mamma collection is available at and in stores across Ireland. Every purchase supports families going through childhood cancer Read More Julie Jay: We must teach children that nothing in life is guaranteed
Irish Post
18-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Post
Business leaders conquer 26 Irish peaks in just nine days to raise €1.5m for children facing cancer
BUSINESS leaders from across Ireland and Britain have scaled the highest mountain in each of 26 counties across Ireland in just nine days to raise €1.5m in support of children facing cancer. The 26 Mountains 2 Mayo challenge saw 25 participants endure rain, winds, low visibility and gruelling terrain, as well as sleep deprivation from early morning starts and late nights. The physical and mental challenge saw them climb a total of 11,000m — the equivalent of ascending Mount Everest 1.25 times — in aid of the charity, Cancer Fund for Children. "This was more than a test of strength, it was a show of solidarity with children who climb their own mountains every day," said Roger Johnston, CEO of Axial3D and organiser of the challenge. The team at the base of Mweelrea Mountain, the highest peak in Connacht, after completing their challenge, which was supported by campaign sponsor, Arachas Corporate Brokers (Image: Trish Forde) Beginning with Errigal in Co. Donegal on June 7, the team covered the hills and mountains across Ulster, before moving into Connacht, across to Leinster — where they were joined by some Irish rugby legends — and then down to Munster. Finally, having tested every ounce of physical and mental endurance, they made their way back to Connacht for the last leg — Mweelrea in Co. Mayo on June 15. "Every step we took, no matter how steep, was inspired by the families who face cancer with courage and resilience," added Mr Johnston. "The pain in our legs is nothing compared to what young people have to endure, and we're proud to have walked for them." Joey Wynne, CEO of Arachas Corporate Brokers, Phil Alexander, CEO of Cancer Fund for Children, Roger Johnston, CEO of Axial3D and 26 Mountains 2 Mayo challenge organiser, and Maria Small, Partnership and Philanthropy Advisor at Cancer Fund for Children (Image: Trish Forde) The funds raised will go directly to Cancer Fund for Children, which offers vital emotional and therapeutic support to children across Ireland. The charity's services are delivered in hospitals, family homes and at its own therapeutic short break centre, Daisy Lodge, in Newcastle, Co. Down. With demand far exceeding capacity, the charity is now preparing to build a second Daisy Lodge in Cong, Co. Mayo, with construction set to begin in July 2025. Pictured at Ashford Lodge following the final climb are CEO of Cancer Fund for Children, Phil Alexander, and Young Ambassador for the charity, Vanessa Matczak (Image: Trish Forde) "Every week, approximately 10 children and young people in Ireland are diagnosed with cancer," said Phil Alexander, CEO of Cancer Fund for Children. "The 26 Mountains 2 Mayo team has not only raised vital funds but awareness, spirit and hope. "Their passion and perseverance are an inspiration to us all and a lifeline to the families we support." CEO of Axial3D and challenge organiser, Roger Johnston, CEO of campaign sponsor Arachas Corporate Brokers, Joey Wynne and CEO of Cancer Fund for Children, Phil Alexander (Image: Trish Forde) The fundraiser was sponsored by Arachas Corporate Brokers, who have previously supported the charity. Joey Wynne, Arachas CEO said: "This challenge reminds us what we can achieve when we unite for a cause greater than ourselves. "The strength and humanity shown by this team is nothing short of incredible and Arachas is proud to stand behind such life-changing work. "Together, we've climbed for courage, for care, and for every child who needs to know they're not alone." To support Cancer Fund for Children, please click here, or to learn more about the 26 Mountains 2 Mayo challenge, please click here.
The Journal
18-06-2025
- Health
- The Journal
Team raises €1.5m for children impacted by cancer by climbing highest mountain in every county
TWENTY-FIVE PEOPLE from across Ireland and the UK have raised €1.5m for children and young people impacted by cancer – by climbing the highest mountain in every county across the island of Ireland. The 25 people completed the challenge '26 Mountains 2 Mayo' in just nine days. The participants climbed a total of 11,000 metres, the equivalent of ascending Mount Everest 1.25 times. They endured 'rain, winds, low visibility and gruelling terrain, as well as sleep deprivation with early morning starts and late night', a spokesperson for the group said. They began climbing Errigal in Co Donegal on 7 June, and finished the challenge at Mweelrea in Co Mayo on 15 June. Advertisement The 26 Mountains 2 Mayo team pictured at Ashford Lodge in Cong, Co. Mayo after completing their 26 mountain challenge. Picasa Picasa The funds raised will go directly to Cancer Fund for Children . The charity's services are delivered in hospitals, family homes, and at its short break centre in Co Down, Daisy Lodge. Demand for the use of Daisy Lodge 'far exceeds capacity', and the charity is preparing to build a second Daisy Lodge in Co Mayo, with construction due to commence next month. CEO of Belfast medical technology manufacturer Axial3D, Roger Johnston, who was the driving force behind the challenge, said that the team was proud to have walked for the children impacted by cancer. 'This was more than a test of strength, it was a show of solidarity with children who climb their own mountains every day,' he said. The head of the charity, Phil Alexander, said that every week, around ten children and young people in Ireland are diagnosed with cancer. He commended the team for raising funds and awareness. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Irish Post
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Irish Post
Irish rugby stars line out to help raise £1m for children's cancer charity
A HOST of Irish rugby stars have taken part in a fundraising challenge to help raise £1m for a children's cancer charity. The 26 Mountains 2 Mayo challenge is currently underway to help Cancer Fund for Children provide vital services for children and families impacted by cancer across the island of Ireland. A team of more than 20 business leaders are currently undertaking the mammoth task, which will see the group climb the highest point in each county across Ireland. Now on the Leinster leg of their journey, the team were joined by Irish rugby legends Tommy Bowe, Andrew Trimble, Declan Fitzpatrick, Devin Toner, Chris Henry and Gordon D'Arcy. The six former Irish rugby stars posed for a snap with Phil Alexander, CEO of Cancer Fund for Children, on Lugnaquilla Mountain in Co. Wicklow, the highest point in Leinster. Cancer Care for Children CEO, Phil Alexander, (second from right) with Andrew Trimble, Declan Fitzpatrick, Devin Toner, Tommy Bowe, Gordon D'Arcy and Chris Henry The fundraiser, organised by Roger Johnston of Axial3D, got underway on Saturday when the group climbed Errigal, the tallest peak in Donegal. After completing the Ulster leg of the challenge, the team moved onto Connacht before heading to Leinster, where they were joined by sporting legends. The group will then travel to Munster before making their way back to Connacht for the final peak, Mweelrea in Co. Mayo, on Sunday. Money raised from the challenge will help Cancer Fund for Children build and equip a therapeutic short break centre in Cong, Co. Mayo. The charity currently operates a similar facility called Daisy Lodge in Newcastle, Co. Down. However, with approximately 10 children and young people diagnosed with cancer every week across the island of Ireland, the charity is facing increasing demand for its services. You can find out more about the challenge and how to support it by clicking here. See More: Cancer Fund For Children, Irish Rugby
Irish Post
08-06-2025
- Health
- Irish Post
Business leaders to climb 26 of Ireland's highest peaks to raise €1m for children's cancer charity
A TEAM of more than 20 business leaders from across Ireland, Britain and the USA have embarked on a challenge to climb 26 of Ireland's highest peaks to raise €1m for a children's cancer charity. From June 7-15, the 26 Mountains 2 Mayo challenge will see the group climb the highest point in each county across Ireland to help Cancer Fund for Children provide vital services to even more families who are navigating the challenges of childhood cancer. "These children and their families face mountains of their own every day — and that's why we're climbing ours," said Roger Johnston, CEO of Axial3D and organiser of the challenge. The challenge got underway in Donegal on Saturday (Image: Clive Wasson) The group kicked off their epic challenge on Saturday by climbing Errigal, the tallest peak in Donegal. They will then cover the hills and mountains across Ulster, before moving into Connacht, across to Leinster and down to Munster, then making their way back to Connacht for the final leg. The team will be putting their physical and mental endurance to the test to climb nearly 11,000m in total. "For months, our team has been training, preparing, and visualising this moment — and now it's real," said Mr Johnston. "Over the next nine days, we will push ourselves to the limit, both physically and mentally, inspired every step of the way by the incredible work of Cancer Fund for Children." Therapy centre plan The charity empowers, connects and strengthens children, young people and families impacted by cancer across the island of Ireland. It provides emotional and therapeutic support delivered in family homes, hospitals and at the charity's existing therapeutic short break centre, Daisy Lodge, in Newcastle, Co. Down. Cancer Fund for Children is aiming to build and equip a second Daisy Lodge in Cong, Co. Mayo, to meet the growing demand for therapeutic short breaks, with construction set to begin in July 2025. "We are incredibly excited to have kicked off the 26 Mountains 2 Mayo challenge with Errigal mountain this morning," Phil Alexander, CEO of Cancer Fund for Children, said on Saturday. "It's been an early start but getting out with this incredible team who have committed to this challenge with such passion and dedication is a pleasure. "Every week across the island of Ireland, approximately 10 children and young people are diagnosed with cancer. "The funds raised in the run-up to this challenge and throughout the next nine days will help us ensure these children and their families don't face their experience alone." Members of the team, which is made up of more than 20 business leaders from across Ireland, Britain and the USA (Image: Clive Wasson) The fundraiser is being sponsored by Arachas Corporate Brokers, who have previously supported the charity. Joey Wynne, Arachas CEO said: "In the run-up to the 26 Mountains 2 Mayo Challenge, all around the country, the Arachas family are coming together to raise money for this incredible cause for the third time. "We've all been impacted by cancer in some way, and we are proud to support Phil and his team at Cancer Fund for Children and the wonderful work that they do. "Our Arachas relay team are getting ready for the kick-off on Saturday and I would like to wish them and everyone participating the best of luck in the challenge." You can find out more about the challenge and how to support it by clicking here.
