Huge response to appeal for orphaned Donegal children after death of their 34-year-old mother

There has been a huge response to an appeal to help a family left orphaned, separated, and without their own home, following the death of their 34-year-old mother.

Sharon Alexander passed away in the Donegal Hospice in early November, just two years after her former partner, and the childrens’ father, died tragically.

She left behind three daughters — Shannon, 15, Amy, 14, and Kayleigh, 12.

Following the death of their mother, the girls were forced to give up their council house in Castlefinn.

Amy has special needs, and is on a waiting list for heart surgery. She is being cared for by her aunt and uncle at their home in Killygordon.

Meanwhile, Shannon and Kayleigh have been taken in by another aunt and uncle in Drumkeen. To compound matters, the Drumkeen bungalow is too small, and the Killygordon house has no downstairs bedroom, which Amy requires.

Family and friends have set up a charity, Sharon’s Girls, in the hope of raising enough funds to extend the Drumkeen house and build a downstairs bedroom for Amy in Killygordon.

Well-known businesswoman, Deirdre Grant, is a friend of the family. She said that, since the family’s plight was made public last week, they have been inundated with offers from all around the world.

“The phone calls started to come in as soon as the paper came out. We are overwhelmed and humbled,” Ms Grant said. “I heard from an architect, Councillor Paul Canning, who was due to meet the family on Friday. Crawford Tiles and Flooring have offered to supply and fit whatever is needed.

“Brian McDaid plasterer has offered his services, Kedoc Plant Ltd promised blocks and concrete and The Tanning Boutique, Raphoe, gave a hamper each for the three girls. One person has also donated €1,000, and I also received at least 40 offers of donations from as far away as New Zealand and America on Friday alone.”

A Derry-based registered charity, Kinship Care NI, also came on board. As of yesterday, they had raised more than £3,100 (€4,200) as well as receiving dozens of gifts for the girls. A number of fund-raising events are also planned.

“Sincere thanks must go to each and every one for your kind donations. We will all make a change for the better in the lives of these three young orphans. Thank you one and all,” Ms Grant added.

If anyone wants to make a donation, they can now do so through the Sharon’s Girls account at the Ulster Bank, Ballybofey, account number 10696752, and sort code 98-52-52. You can also donate online via www.gofundme.com/nsfh53twas well as the Kinship Care Charity page, https://mydonate.bt.com/events/sharonsgirls/270810