The family of a Claremorris baby born with a rare brain disorder have said they will be “forever grateful” for the support that has flooded in from their family, friends, and community.
Fearghail and Sarah Connolly from Ballyglass, parents of baby Ella, were speaking following a fundraising event called ‘A Night for Ella’.
The event was organised by family and friends of the couple to raise funds for the lifelong care Ella will need.
Ella was born with lissencephaly, also known as ‘smooth brain syndrome’. The condition means the folds on the brain do not develop causing severe neurological impairments.
A Night for Ella took place on April 20 in the Welcome Inn Hotel, Castlebar.
Mr and Mrs Connolly expressed their sincere gratitude to all who came together to organise the event - including the organising committee, friends, and family, The Welcome Inn Hotel, Concorde, DJ Eoin Delaney, auctioneer Sean Joyce, Karen and Eamon Ginnelly from the Blue Thunder in Westport, and all who donated raffle prices and auction items.
“It is impossible to thank you all individually but we would like to express our gratitude to you all,” said the couple. “It is because of you that the night was such a success.
Empathy
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There were also a lot of other events all over the county to raise money for Ella leading up to the night and we are so grateful for them all and to the many people that went door-to-door selling tickets for the night which is not an easy job.
“We would also like to thank Mid West Radio for promoting and getting behind the event – it was a great way to tell our story about our daughter Ella.
“Ever since Ella was diagnosed with lissencephaly, we have received huge support and empathy from family, friends, and neighbours and even from people that we have never met.
“Until something like this comes to your door you could never imagine how life can change so drastically but to have all of this support we are forever grateful.”
