Toy appeal in memory of baby Danann

Local mother Éilís O’Hagan is again running her hugely successful Christmas toy appeal in memory of her baby son Danann, who sadly passed away at just three weeks old two days before Christmas 2018.

Éilís, who lives in Bellurgan with her husband Peter and two children Sé and Nelly, started the fundraiser in 2019 asking the public to donate children’s toys to two local charities, St Vincent De Paul and Women’s Aid.

“Our son Danann Pearse O’Hagan was born the most gorgeous, healthy boy on the 1st of December 2018”, Éilís said.

“But on the 23rd of December, just three weeks old, our world turned upside down when our precious boy died suddenly in his sleep.

“We decided to organise this fundraiser to help children who might not get much at Christmas as all children deserve to feel special, it is also a lovely way to honour Danann and keep his memory alive.”

The first year of the appeal was a great success with hundreds of toys and vouchers donated and while the second year saw the fundraiser forced online due to Covid restrictions and the inability of her chosen charities to receive physical donations, people were no less generous, with the appeal raising a massive €5,287.

Last year the appeal was again online and made over €4000.

This year with the cost of living and rent pressures Éilís says the work of the two charities is as important as ever.

“We donate to two great charities, St Vincent de Paul and Women’s Aid”, she said.

“St Vincent de Paul has a very big reach, and really helps kids and families who are in need at Christmas.

“This year they’ve seen an increase of 19% on people who are calling and looking for help compared with the same time last year so the work they do is really vital.”

Éilís is appealing to anyone who is able to give some sort of a donation to please do so with the easiest way to donate being via the fundraiser’s iFundraise.ie page at: www.idonate.ie/fundraiser /Danannstoyappeal2022

“During Covid we found it easier to receive online donations but if anyone wanted to donate vouchers or a toy we can still do that”, Éilís concluded.

Anyone wishing to donate a voucher or toys can contact Éilís directly on 089 225795 or via email: eilistmckenna@gmail.com.