Family overwhelmed by huge response to Derry fundraiser for brave Tilly

A fundraising campaign launched by a Derry family whose infant daughter is awaiting lifesaving surgery has already exceeded its target despite being set up just days ago.

Seven-months-old Tilly McGranaghan (pictured) has been fighting serious illness since birth.

She has been in Birmingham Children’s Hospital since before Christmas awaiting major heart surgery, her second since she was born.

Her parents, Finn and Lindsay, from the Waterside area of Derry, have remained at her bedside.

An online fundraising campaign has been set up by Martin Doran who is hoping to raise £1,000 to support the family and raise funds for the Children’s Heartbeat Trust.

However, in just seven days, a total of £3,182 has been raised thanks to the generosity of people of across Derry and beyond.

Tilly’s father Finn posted a message on the Just Giving page set up for Tilly where he said that he and Lindsay were ‘overwhelmed’ by the support they have received.

“Lindsay and I have been overwhelmed by your response to the appeal for our wee Tilly and those who support her,” he said.

“We have been shocked by the outpouring of goodwill and generosity towards our little lady and thank you all immensely.”

Speaking about the fundraising campaign, Martin said: “Unfortunately, she (Tilly) is facing an even longer stay so we are hoping to raise some money to enable Finn and Lindsay to remain in England so that they can provide Tilly with all the love and support she needs and also to raise some funds for the Children’s Heartbeat Trust.

“They thought that they would be back after a few weeks but due to complications it looks like they are going to be in hospital for the next few months at least.”

To make a donation, log onto: https://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/FriendsofTilly?utm_id=2