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At the presentation of donations to Erin’s Fund at Caballs Toymaster, Tralee were in front; Ruairi O’Flaherty, Alex O’Flaherty, Megan O’Sullivan, Erin O’Sullivan, Jack McElligott and Adam O’Flaherty. Back; Louise O’Sullivan, caroline O’Sullivan, Toby from Toymaster, Paul O’Sullivan and Ann Laide of Caballs Toymaster. Photo by Dermot Crean
A LOCAL toy store has helped raise enough money to buy vital equipment for a young Tralee girl with a rare disorder.
Back in May, Caballs Toymaster on Bridge Street started selling little beanies of their mascot ‘Toby’ for €3, with all monies raised going to Erin’s Fund. There was also a donation box which raised hundreds more.
On Saturday, the donations were presented to the O’Sullivan family at the toy store.
Erin O’Sullivan is a nine-year old girl from Gort Na Greine near Gallowsfield who has an extremely rare disorder called Ataxia Telangiectasia.
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The condition combines the worst symptoms of muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis, immune system disorder and sufferers have a greater chance of getting cancer.
Over the past few years, Erin’s condition has worsened which is a great worry for her parents Paul and Caroline and family.
“She’s doing very well health wise, but not so in terms of balance and has to go into a wheelchair more often,” said Erin’s mum, Caroline. “Medical expenses are starting to pile up. The HSE can only do so much because there is so much need out there for equipment,” she continued.
“Ann here in Caballs wanted to help us for years, but it’s only now that we really needed the money for medical equipment which we are able to buy now thanks to the funds raised. We have another event coming up before Christmas in Dunnes Stores for Erin to get a special chair for our house. It’s to make Erin’s life easier and more independent,” said Caroline, who wanted to express her heartfelt thanks to everyone who has helped them.
Ann Laide from Caballs Toymaster also thanked people who donated.
“We would like to thank all our customers who contributed to the event. Caballs is delighted to help the O’Sullivan family get extra special equipment Erin needs to help her with her condition,” said Ann.
Separately, Saturday morning also saw a presentation of prizes for a Lego competition run at the shop where Adam O’Flaherty won first prize.
Winner of the Caballs Toymaster Lego Competition Adam O’Flaherty (centre) with Alex and Ruairi O’Flaherty at the store on Saturday morning. Photo by Dermot Crean
