Athlone native, Hannah May Carroll, an incredible seven year old girl who has endured more in her short, painful and frustrating young life than many would experience in their lifetime is to launch an incredible new fairy trail on the West Lawn in Malahide Castle, County Dublin, on Saturday June 23, with all proceeds from the launch being donated to the Share a Dream foundation, which helps ill children realise their wildest dreams.
This Fairy Trail will be a permanent fixture at Malahide Castle and Gardens and is ensure to enchant all those who enter.
Visitors will be given the fairy trail activity booklet as well as some special magic fairy dust and invited to explore to their hearts content. To officially launch the new trail on the June 23, who better than a real-life fairy princess like Hannah May?
Not long after Hannah May was born she was admitted to hospital with what appeared to be a bug but, in fact, turned out to be a life threatening heart condition that would change her and her parent’s lives forever.
Hannah had to undergo major heart surgery but no improvement was forthcoming until the medical team opted to input a cow’s vein to replace her aorta, the main artery to her lungs. They had to dissect the five arteries from the lungs and connect them to the cow’s vein in a last bid to save her life, which thankfully was a success.
Hannah currently has a good quality of life despite undergoing six operations to date. However, she still faces further major heart surgery as the cow’s vein has only a life span of four to five years before needing to be replaced.
Hannah May has always had a special dream to be a Fairy Princess and now thanks to the Share a Dream Foundation, official charity partner of Shannon Heritage, and the generosity of the Malahide business community, Hannah May will get to live out her cherished dream of being a fairy princess.
On the morning of June 23, Hannah May will be the centre of attention in the picturesque seaside village of Malahide, as she and her entourage, including a surprise fabulous fairy godmother, are escorted from place to place to complete the little girl’s dream transformation.
Everything a fairy princess needs will be provided, from the dress and make-up, to flowers and a feast fit for royalty!
After this morning of pampering, Hannah May and her family will be transported in luxury to Malahide Castle and Gardens, where they will have lunch in Avoca before Hannah May is presented to her adoring subjects to officially launch the fairy trail! Once the formalities are over, Hannah May will lead her entourage through the fairy trail, giving this fairy tale a happy ending.
Speaking ahead of Hannah May’s big day, Joanne Pollard of Shannon Heritage couldn’t contain their excitement; “We are really looking forward to hosting a real-live fairy princess! All of us here at Malahide Castle and Gardens are in awe of Hannah May’s bravery at such a young age, and we couldn’t wish for anyone better to launch our new fairy trail. We know that she, and everyone else who experiences it throughout the summer and beyond, will have a magical time. Thanks to Share a Dream Foundation and all the wonderful businesses in Malahide for their time and generosity in making this happen.”
Shay Kinsella of the Share a Dream Foundation was delighted to help Hannah May realise her dream; “For special angels like Hannah May we move heaven and earth to make their fondest dreams come true. We’re delighted to be the chosen Charity Partner for Shannon Heritage and everyone involved has worked so hard to prepare the perfect day for Hannah May.”
