Dad fundraising for Galway son with quadriplegia 'died in tragic circumstances that are still under review'
His partner and Rory’s mother Shauna confirmed the news on their GoFundMe sadly stating that her ‘whole life has fallen apart’
A father who has spent the last few years fundraising and building a wheelchair accessible home for his son with quadriplegia has died “under tragic circumstances which are still under review”.
The news of Gerry Gallagher’s death was confirmed by his brave partner Shauna who is still doing her best to continue the good work that has come from the GoFundMe for her son Rory.
The 14-year-old has cerebral palsy quadriplegia and requires vast medical needs which led to the creation of the fundraiser ‘Care for Rory’ also known as Team Rory Gallagher on social media.
Gerry and Shauna had purchased a site in Galboley near Bullaun in Loughrea and were starting their building project for Rory’s new home which Gerry had worked hard on over the past twelve months.
But heartbreak hit the family when dad Gerry died unexpectedly with Shauna sadly stating that her “whole life has fallen apart” since.
Shauna said: “My whole life has fallen apart. I can't believe that I'm facing moving my little man Rory, who has cerebral palsy quadriplegia and vast medical needs, into a mobile home but after weeks of trying to come up with a better solution, reaching out to every TD, emailing our Taoiseach, phoning his office, I’ve been told not to phone again.
“I fainted in the Galway County Council’s office, on the day of my husbands month’s mind. l apologised to them for my tremors and tears, I explained to them just how exhausted and overwhelmed I was, after weeks of stress and worry, constant phone calls to which they never responded.”
She continued: “Over 40 emails, they've decided that I'm not entitled to any help or support, no rent allowance or HAP as I own our site. We have put every cent we have into Rory's site, for his forever wheelchair accessible home.
“Everywhere I look, I see all the great work Gerry has done, 12 months of hard work, early mornings and late nights all for our precious wee man Rory. My wonderful husband Gerry should be here with us but instead he's in heaven, I'm so hurt lost and lonely. I am at my wits end, trying to get through the toughest days. If anyone can help me and especially Rory I will be forever thankful.
“My heart hurts so much Gerry, I’ve never felt so lonely in my whole life, we had so much to look forward to, so many dreams. The love of my life since 16, three amazing children, 30 years of love, my best friend. I am devastated. I miss your smile and your cheeky winks, my first, my last, my everything.”
Shauna said that Gerry made such a fantastic start on the site but that lots of help is still needed to help finish Rory’s forever home.
She said: “It will take love and kindness to get it there but I know the world is full of wonderful people and Team Rory will finish what you started and when the time comes we will be all back together. For now may god hold you in the palm of his hand. Watch over Kyle, Lily and our beautiful Rory and keep us strong as we set out to give Rory the life he deserves.
“Rory is so proud that you’re wearing your #teamrory wristband in heaven ️and knows that you are with him always as love never leaves.”
Shauna finished by saying that “Gerry died in tragic circumstances that are still under review”.
She finished by adding: “Please keep Gerry and my beautiful children in your thoughts and prayers. Our lives will never be the same, the pain in our hearts is unbearable. Things are incredibly difficult for us now and we are hoping that you might like to help us.”
You can find more information and donate to the fundraiser here.