Mystery donor gives €100k for girl's surgery

An anonymous businessman today pledged €100,000 to send a schoolgirl to the UK for life-saving surgery.

The mystery donor will pay for Ann Marie Kelleher, who is in excruciating pain from crippling curvature of the spine, to visit a specialist surgeon.

The 12-year-old, from Killavullen, north Cork, is bent over sideways because of scoliosis of the spine, developed as a secondary symptom of the complex neurological condition Rett Syndrome.

Her mother Bernie, who said her daughter has no quality of life, this week made an emotional plea on a radio show to the Government to fund the operation.

Instead, a kind-hearted Dubliner who was moved to tears made the donation.

The special needs pupil will be operated on by Dr David Harrison at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital in Stanmore, Middlesex, England.

“It’s just unbelievable,” said Mrs Kelleher.

“I never though I’d get news like this. A smile came on my face and it was washed away with tears.

“Ann Marie gave me fabulous smiles and kisses.

“Her life was all I was trying to save. My child was entitled to her life and surgery.

“But why does it have to fall at the hands of the good people of this country to do that. It’s appalling.”

Mrs Kelleher said her daughter is constantly bent over towards her knees with her lungs on the verge of collapse, making it almost impossible for her to get through each day.

The youngster was on a waiting list for surgery at an Irish hospital for more than a year but in desperation Mrs Kelleher and her husband Tom contacted the orthopaedic surgeon, who has specialised in Rett Syndrome for more than 20 years.

Dr Harrison will attempt to break down the bone in Ann Marie’s curvature and redirect nerves to her feet, enabling her to walk again.

The life-saving surgery was estimated to cost about €108,000, which the family had hoped would be provided through the Department of Health’s National Treatment Purchase Fund or the Treatment Abroad Scheme.

Mrs Kelleher, who is originally from Leeds, said the operation will give her daughter a quality of life.

“You just can’t put a price on something like that,” she added.

“Ann Marie is going to be able to breath properly, sleep and sit. She is going to be able to walk and go back to school.

“We are eternally grateful. We’d love to meet this man and give him the privilege of meeting Ann Marie before and after surgery to see what his money is actually going to do.”

Director of the Rett Syndrome Association in the UK Ron Overton, who has supported the Kellehers, said the donation will relieve the immense pressure and anxiety on the family.

“This will be such a wave of relief to everybody. It’s wonderful,” he said.

“Throughout this wait Ann Marie’s condition has worsened, causing her more pain and distress.”

A spokeswoman for RTÉ confirmed one individual had donated €100,000 towards the operation.

“He donated the money on the basis that he would have anonymity,” she added.

“RTÉ Radio One and the 'Liveline' team have confirmed with the individual’s solicitor that the donation is solid and legitimate, and the solicitor is organising for the funds to be transferred directly to the hospital in England.”