Plea for Cork host family as 16-year-old who fled Crimea battles cancer

(Left to right) Nayle Mametova and her mum, Zenure Mametova, fled Russia’s illegal occupation in Crimea in November 2022. Picture: Jim Coughlan

"I would like my own room where I can be alone and prevent illness." 

A teenage girl who is battling cancer says having to share a bedroom with four other family members is threatening her recovery as she undergoes a gruelling round of chemotherapy at CUH.

Sixteen-year-old Nayle Mametova fled Crimea with her parents Zenure and Ruslan and brothers Nazim (18) and Ridvan (10) in November 2022 — forced out under the weight of Russia’s illegal occupation.

They escaped across the Latvia-Russian border, after numerous unsuccessful attempts, and ended up settling in Cork. The family hoped the move signalled a fresh start for them all. However, for Nayle, there was bad news to come.

She had been experiencing concerning symptoms and complained of chills running through her whole body even in warm temperatures. After a number of assessments, she was diagnosed last October with Lymphoma — cancer of the lymphatic system.

Nayle and her family currently live in a hub accommodating asylum seekers in North Cork — with the families accommodated in single bedrooms and a communal dining facility.

This confined living space means that Nayle, given her compromised immunity, is more susceptible to the spread of illnesses. Nayle’s mum Zenure says they spent the winter months sleeping with the window open in a desperate attempt to protect her.

While the family are treated extremely well at the communal facility they reside in, Zenure says a host family would be a more preferable option to maximise Nayle’s chances of a full recovery. She said her children desperately miss their grandparents and would ideally love the opportunity to house share with an elderly couple. 

“One of the things the children miss very much is their grandfather and grandmother,” she told the Irish Examiner. “What we would love to find is two elderly people who love children. It might be great for them also. 

Back home the children lived together with their grandfather and grandmother. They all loved each other very much. If there is a possibility to find Irish grandparents then we would love to find that match.

Nayle, who spoke to the Irish Examiner shortly after undergoing chemotherapy, said she is trying to stay as strong as possible for her parents.

The student who goes to secondary school in Doneraile, described how her diagnosis came about: “At night I felt cold. I was freezing. My body was very tired so we came to the hospital to find out what it was. I had enlarged lymph nodes from time to time as a child but it was only temporary so we thought it was normal.“ 

Zenure recalls hoping the translator in Cork University Hospital had somehow misinterpreted the doctor’s words. “Nayle is young so she was protected but I was shocked,” Zenure said. 

“Lymphoma has the same pronunciation in so many languages but I still looked at the translator and asked 'what is he saying?' because I didn’t want to accept it. It was a very difficult thing for him to translate because he is a friend of the family.” 

(Left to right) Fiona Corcaran of the Greater Chernobyl Cause with Nayle Mametova and her mum, Zenure Mametova. 'This family are yearning for that connection because they are missing their grandparents so much.' Picture: Jim Coughlan

Nayle said she never feared the battle that lay ahead of her. “I had heard about lymphoma but I didn’t think about it. My mum couldn’t believe that her daughter had this illness. She thought it was impossible. 

"The doctor explained the situation but I wasn’t scared because they tell me that it’s treatable in most cases. It’s helpful to be strong. If you are feeling very scared and very upset then these feelings are useless.” 

The potential to pick up colds and flus has left the family terrified for Nayle. “If my brother gets sick then that’s very bad for me. He was sick last week and that was a big worry for us. I would like my own room where I can be alone and prevent illness.” 

The lack of space also presents a host of other issues for Nayle. “Having boys and girls in the same room is uncomfortable if you are getting changed. It would mean a lot to have my own privacy.” 

Her parents say the disease has forced Nayle to grow up quickly.  “Children who get sick in childhood mature quickly. They are generally more mature than healthy children. Nayle tries to appear strong so as not to upset her mother. If you need some energy and strength it maybe helps to be that bit more mature.” 

The family have also found strength in their community. “The principal of Nayle’s school was so supportive. Everyone else is supportive too. I didn’t know who the Irish people were when I came to live here. I remember it as a cold and rainy place when we first arrived. 

Now, I know the warmth is in the people. I never expected the kind of reaction we received from the Irish people. They have been so helpful and kind. The attitude to immigrants in Ireland is like nothing you would experience in any other part of the world. 

"What we’ve seen here is not common. I know there are a lot of complaints about the health system in Ireland but the care Nayle received was perfect.” 

Nayle agrees adding: “The doctors and nurses are so helpful and kind. They are doing their best and want to help me in any way they can.” 

The 16-year-old, who is expected to be halfway through chemotherapy next month derives great joy in art as she completes her treatment. “My dad inspires me to paint and so does my mum. Dad was a builder and mum was a hairdresser but both have art in what they do. I find drawing and painting really relaxing and I would really like to be an artist one day." 

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Fiona Corcoran, who heads the Greater Chernobyl Cause charity, has been advocating on the family’s behalf. She is helping with an appeal to find a home that would allow the children and their parents to benefit from a positive environment.

“This family are yearning for that connection because they are missing their grandparents so much. It’s a daily struggle for them so this is a really good idea. I’m hoping there is somebody out there who will grasp this opportunity. It has the potential to bring joy to both older people and the children who could both benefit from the relationship.” 

Fiona is accepting interest from potential host families who might be open to sharing their home with the family. For more information email [e-mail]