Late garda’s family raise funds to buy incubator

THE family of a young garda who died after giving birth to twins will be able to buy a life-saving incubator for other babies thanks to a charity sports fundraiser by her colleagues.

Garda Sergeant Tania McCabe was just 34 when she died in March 2007, a few hours after one of her premature twins, Zach, passed away in her arms at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda.

Four-year-old Adam McCabe, who weighed just 2lb 10oz when he arrived three months early, survived against the odds after being born with the same infection that claimed the life of his young mum.

The specialised incubator which helped save his life will be bought for the baby unit in Drogheda with funds raised by 120 gardaí and other supporters taking part in the 67km Gaelforce challenge for her foundation in Mayo today.

Tania’s father-in-law, Philip McCabe, said the incubator which had to be rushed in an ambulance from Dublin to Drogheda for Adam after he was born, will be the first piece of medical equipment purchased by the foundation.

He said: “When Adam was born they didn’t have this specialised incubator in Drogheda and they still don’t have it.”

* www.taniamccabefoundation.com