Niamh vows to beat cancer and keep date with pop star

A YOUNG Donegal girl has vowed to beat cancer and keep a date with Westlife’s Shane Filan.

But Niamh Walsh will have to wait for at least a year to make her dream happen — after getting a call for a life-saving transplant.

The 16-year-old received a “good luck” call from the singer before her operation, which takes place this Friday at Crumlin Children’s Hospital.

She has fought a rare form of leukaemia for the past five years but a suitable bone marrow donor has been found in Germany.

Her family threw her a party in Letterkenny to raise her spirits before her operation.

All her family and friends came along as did special guests Mickey Joe Harte and Eoghan Quigg.

But Niamh got a very special phonecall on the night from Westlife star Shane.

“Her whole face just lit up,” said mum Bernie.

“She couldn’t believe it when Shane phoned. It was very nice of him to take the time.

“Hopefully, when the operation is a success, Niamh will get to meet him and have a good chat with him.”

Bernie said that despite her chemotherapy treatment and watching her hair falling out four times, Niamh has been brave.

“She has such a great personality. She has been through hell and she always tries to have a smile on her face. She is amazing.”