Saoirse Ruane’s mum has issued an emotional message ahead of their family’s first Christmas without her.
The Galway native, who inspired the nation with her bravery, passed away at the age of 12 on Tuesday, March 5, after a long battle with a rare form of cancer.
Saoirse was the main inspiration behind the Toy Show Appeal which was launched in 2020, a charity fund which has led to millions of euros being raised and is designed to help a range of children’s charities around Ireland.
Taking to Instagram on the mamaandsaoirse page, where she previously provided health updates on Saoirse, Roseanna Ruane opened up about preparing for the Christmas period.
‘We’ve been quiet the last few days and want to thank those who checked in. As we wind down for the holidays we take this opportunity to take a little rest over the next few weeks.
‘On behalf of Ollie Farrah Rose & myself I want to thank you all for the amazing loving support our loyal followers have shown us this past year. There has been some uplifting days but some incredibly devastating ones.
‘From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for sticking by us & willing us on from the sidelines as we walk this road of grief to the best of our ability as grieving parents. I’ve always said “you do you” and so that’s what we do also,’ she wrote.
Roseanna added: ‘I’m particularly grateful for the lovely opportunities that have come my way & for the brands that I have had the pleasure of working with. I’m so grateful for the enjoyable interaction and distraction it brings and through creating content I have found a little purpose again.
‘There won’t be any ringing in the new as we heartbreakingly step into 2025. There won’t be any ringing out the old as we chose not to forget the precious time we had with our gorgeous precious girl.
‘Saoírse you will ALWAYS be at the forefront of our hearts in everything we do as we continue to make you proud. We’ll pop up the odd story here and there over the next couple of weeks but normal content will resume in January. Love to you all.’
The comments section of the post saw Roseanna’s friends and followers sending their messages of support to the Ruane family and wishing the family well for the festive period.
One person said: ‘Thinking so much about you all particularly at this time… sending you so much love.’
Another added: ‘I hope you all have a peaceful Christmas and some rest over the next few weeks and I am sure Farrah Rose will keep you both well entertained.’
While someone wrote: ‘Thinking of you all and sending love and strength for you all to get through the next few weeks.’