YOUNG Liam Heffernan, who had been battling Batten’s Disease, has died. He was just five years old.

His father Tony tweeted the news earlier yesterday morning.

“#LittleLiamo has grown angelwings and joined sister Saoirse in heaven #RIP son #SuperHero No More #BattenDisease”

Liam, from Castlemaine, suffered from the rare Battens Disease and last year lost his sight and began suffering a surge in seizures.

His sister Saoirse died of the same condition, at the same age in 2010.

He had lost nearly all mobility and was not able to consume solid foods in the past year.

Tony and Mary Heffernan are vocal campaigners for Batten’s disease awareness and run the Saoirse Foundation, supporting other Irish families in similar positions.

Bees for Battens is online campaign for raising awareness and supporting those affected by Battens disease.

• Donations can be made to: The Saoirse Foundation, Address: AIB Tralee Co Kerry Account No: 85130187; Sort Code: 93-62-19; IE13AIBK93621985130187;  Swift Code: AIBKIE2D
Postal Donations can be made Bee For Battens, The Saoirse Foundation, Castldrum, Castlemaine, Co Kerry, Ireland
You can also donate be sending old mobile phones  free of charge to: The Bee For Battens Appeal, Freepost, PO BOX 7958, Dublin 11.
More details available on http://www.beeforbattens.org