A busker who raised more than €6,000 during the Volvo Ocean Race in Galway for a girl (4) with a rare children's cancer, yesterday presented a cheque to her parents.
Lily-Mae Morrison from Claregalway is being treated for stage four neuroblastoma which she was diagnosed with in recent months. Neuroblastoma is a malignant tumor that develops from nerve tissue and usually occurs in infants and children.
Musician Jamie Harrison (21) from Oranmore said he often busks with his guitar on Galway's Shop Street but last week decided to dedicate his earnings to the girl, whose case he heard of through his sister.
"I had access to something that not a lot of people have access to and I immediately felt compelled to help," he said yesterday.
The girl's uncle, Paul Hayes, began the fundraising campaign for his niece three weeks ago to help support her family.
Her parents Judith Sibley and partner Leighton Morrison are both self-employed ballet dancers and choreographers.
They have taken time-off from teaching and performing to bring their daughter for treatment to Our Lady's Hospital, Crumlin.
Ms Sibley yesterday said the goodness of people they know and of strangers has helped them through this dreadful time.
Mr Harrison said it was "amazing" to see the generosity and empathy of the public in Galway on a very busy week in the city. The musician had a sign up to let people know about the cause he was busking for.
Mr Hayes was "stunned" by the "unprecedented" reaction to the appeal for his niece. Any extra money raised will go to Neuroblastoma research, he said.
