‘You rose above Battens during Liam’s short life’

Scores of heartfelt tributes yesterday came through social media to a brave little boy who died from Battens Disease, which he had fought for four years.

Families with children suffering from the fatal condition were among those who tweeted and posted messages of admiration and sympathy on Facebook, following the death of Liam Heffernan, aged five. Many praised his parents, Tony and Mary, who lost their only child, as their daughter Saoirse died from the same disease four years ago, also aged five.

Gary Minns wrote: “Thoughts with you and your family at this sad time. Liam was a hero! Just like our little hero also battling with battens, William.’’

Jackie Twomey: “Have been lighting a candle all week for him and had dream he saw the light of it and would go in peace and no pain. He had a big beautiful smile as he went with no more pain.’’

Bernie Leamy: “I can only imagine the love ye all shared. I hope ye get solace from the fact that ye rose above and beyond battens during Liam’s short life. I’m sure the angels in heaven are playing with him now and loving him the way ye did and always will.’’

The Fleming family, White Bridge Caravan Park, Killarney: “How honoured you both must be to have had two of the bravest little children and how lucky, lucky they were to have had two of the most wonderful parents in the world.’’

Liam, who had a passion for dinosaurs and books, suffered a rapid deterioration last week and passed away gently in his parents’ arms at home on Sunday morning. He was brought home from Kerry General Hospital, Tralee, on April 30, in the BUMBLEance, which their charity, The Saoirse Foundation, uses to transport sick children across Ireland to and from hospitals, respite centres, treatment centres and family homes.

The Heffernans, who thanked the medical team, have pledged to continue their campaign to raise awareness of Batten’s Disease and to support families.

Last evening, a stream of mourners, many in tears, visited the Heffernan home in Keel, Castlemaine, Co Kerry, where Liam’s remains reposed in a white casket in the front sitting room. He will be laid to rest today beside his sister Saoirse in Keel cemetery, following Mass of the Angels at noon.