Campaign to save Holly’s life receives more than €50,000

THE family of brave toddler Holly O’Keeffe, who is fighting life-threatening tumours, has received more than €50,000 in public donations.

Since the 20-month-old girl was diagnosed in March with three cancerous tumours behind her eye, cheekbone and kidney – the largest of which was initially the size of a grapefruit – hundreds of public and private individuals have sought to help her family.

The toddler, who has a rare form of cancer called neuroblastoma and was at one stage given a one in three chance of survival, is being treated between Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital in Crumlin and the Mercy University Hospital in Cork.

Due to the travel commitments involved, neither her father Martin nor her mother Mary have been able to remain fully employed.

However, while the Co Cork-based family are still struggling to cope with the reality of her diagnosis, they have taken the time out to thank the hundreds of big-hearted members of the public who have donated huge sums to help with her cause.

A spokesperson for the family said that since early April more than €50,000 has been raised through fun runs, pub quiz nights and charity events.

In addition, Cork sports legends like Roy Keane, who allowed some of his Manchester United-Celtic testimonial gear to be auctioned, and hurling star John Gardiner have offered their support.

“We’ve had marathon runners, collection boxes, Cork City FC getting involved, everything really,” said the spokesperson.

“The family are devastated by what’s happened, Holly’s chemotherapy has gone on for so long, but the support for them has been fantastic.”

The latest fundraising drive in aid of the brave toddler will take place this Saturday between 1-6pm at the Brian Dillon GAA club on Tank Field in Montenotte, Cork.

Events on the day will include a magician, puppet shows, face painting, and two world-record attempts to be overseen by the Guinness Book of Records.

* www.thehollyfund.com