Brave Izzy helps light up children’s hospital

Little Izzy O’Connell from Cork was all lit up yesterday evening as she switched on the Temple Street Children’s Hospital lights – with a little help from Santa.

Brave Izzy, 6, spent three months in Temple Street this year following the removal of a brain tumour. It is hoped that the lights will keep the magic alive in the hospital and offer hope to the children who sadly won’t get to go home this Christmas.

Last year, almost 400 children were cared for in Temple Street on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Izzy was rushed to Temple Street on February 10 for lifesaving surgery. Following an 11 hour operation to remove a brain tumour, she spent nine weeks there while she learnt to walk.

“It was so much fun switching on the lights with Santa. The hospital looks really pretty, and I think all the children in Temple Street this Christmas will really like it,” she said.