THE memory of a popular Claregalway mother who died four years ago after a routine operation will be stirred this weekend when her friends will fulfil a promise to commemorate her life with a fundraising event.
The Something for Saundra event is being held to remember 42-year-old Saundra O’Connor who died after a routine operation went terribly wrong.
Her death left her family, friends and community numbstruck, but the tears will be forgotten this weekend when her personality and life will be celebrated in a walk to start at the GAA club in Mervue and end up at Ballyloughane beach.
Her friends who are organising the event said this week they were inspired to do this by their love for Saundra.
“She was a beautiful bright energetic lady. Lived life to the full and was happiest when all her family and friends were around her. Saundra went in for a routine operation in 2005 that went very wrong.
“All our lives changed from that date. Saundra went into a vegetative state and remained that way until her passing in February 2008.
“During her time in hospital the family and her close friends were there to help Murt her husband, to give him time to spend with their two young beautiful daughters Sarah and Lauren.
“It was also at that time we, as her friends, became very close and last August, we decided that we never want this beautiful lady to be forgotten. So we got the ball rolling to hold this memory walk in which the name will forever be ‘Something for Saundra’.
“We are having the walk from the GAA club house Mervue (beside the Mervue Church ) to Ballyloughnane Beach on this Sunday March 18, which coincidently is "Mother's Day.”
“Here we will release some red balloons and play Saundra's favourite song February Morn. We will have some surprises for the mums and children. All proceeds from the walk are going to the following charities.
— ACT for Meningitis
— Rose Dale School (Brothers of Charity )
— Galway Speeders
To take part in this wonderful event you can donate €10 online to RunIreland.com or pay on the day of the walk.
Any sponsorship or donations would be very much appreciated.
Her friends said “This is a short walk where all are welcome - mums, dads, brothers, sisters, daughters, sons. To help us make this a thoroughly happy and joyful day we are asking if you would like to wear something red to make it cheerful, bright and for us all to be noticed which is what Saundra would have really loved,” they said.
