AN Armagh woman who tragically lost her baby brother to cot death 25 years ago is urging people affected to get out and support the ‘Mile in Memory Walk’ on Sunday, May 11.
Dervla O’Neill, 28, recently reflected on the death of her baby brother Malachy – a moment made even more poignant considering she herself is now six months pregnant with her first child.
Dervla, expecting her child in July, said she got upset last week thinking of little Malachy.
“I can feel all the movement and kicks and as the excitement starts to build,” she said. “I can only imagine how devastating it would be to lose my baby, like my mother and father did and all other parents who have lost their babies.
“I logged on to the computer to look up SIDs (cot death) charities so that I could make a donation, and that’s when I saw the ‘Mile in Memory’ event.”
The event, organised by The Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths (FSID) is falling on the 25th Anniversary of Malachy’s death. “I took that as a sign that I should organise a Mile to raise money for this hard working Charity,” Dervla added.
“We will be walking our mile in the Grange in Armagh, and are welcoming all those that have been hit by the loss of a child. There will be a balloon release to signify how we are thinking of our lost ones; and everyone is welcome to come along to send their own message to their family member.”
Afterwards there will be a raffle with great prizes donated by some generous local businesses, refreshments, spot prizes and fun for all the family.
To get involved email Dervla at mileinmemory@gmail.com or click on the link below to donate:
http://www.justgiving.com/Dervla-O-Neill
