Lifford funeral for 'precious' Holly Gormley

Holly Gormley, the young Strabane schoolgirl who died last weekend from a rare blood disease, will be buried in Donegal on Monday.

The 11-year-old died on July 14 having been diagnosed with Aplastic Anaemia earlier this year.

A pupil at St Catherine’s Primary School, Holly’s family have strong connections to the Lifford area. Holly competed with the Lifford-Strabane Athletics Club.

Holly’s Funeral Mass will take place at 12 noon on Monday at St Patrick’s Church, Murlog. She will be laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery.

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Aplastic Anaemia is a condition that results in bone marrow not producing enough red blood cells. She was diagnosed after she became unwell, suffering from spells of fatigue and bruises on her body.

After Holly’s condition worsened, she was brought to Altnagelvin Hospital. Her family desperately searched for a stem cell donor, but last Friday Holly slipped away at the Royal Victoria Infirmiry.

She was remembered by her school as being a ‘precious’ student.

Lifford-Strabane AC said they were ‘heartbroken’ as they paid tribute to a young member.

“Holly was part of our younger group of athletes and at only eleven years old, it is difficult to comprehend her passing at such a young age,” the club said.

“Holly was a lovely energetic young child, and showed lots of potential in the sport, actively taking part in all events.  Holly showed great enthusiasm and had many friends at the club.”

Lifford-Strabane AC will be part of a guard of honour at Holly’s funeral.

Late of Urney Road, Strabane, she is survived by her loving parents, Claire and Gareth and brother JD, grandfather Billy Kelly and grandmother Kathleen Gormley.