Family’s cut for Féileacáin will help others who lose a child

Two sisters and their mum have cut their long hair for a great cause – and to remember their baby son and brother.

Irene Moran and her daughters Hannah (12) and Ella (7) from Killeen, Tynagh, are donating their ponytails to The Rapunzel Foundation and Little Princess Trust, where their hair will go to make wigs for children and young teens with hair loss.

They are also hoping to raise money for a charity called Féilecáin (Butterfly), a charity formed by bereaved parents to offer support to anyone affected by the death of a baby occurring close to the time of birth.

And that’s where the Morans’ connection is strongest – because five years ago the family were on a short break in Clare when Irene, who was eight and a half months pregnant, suddenly felt unwell.

She was brought by ambulance to Limerick Maternity Hospital where it was discovered she had suffered a concealed placental abruption.

Unfortunately the midwives and doctors were unable to save the baby, a little boy called Jonathan.

The family were understandably devastated – and when Jonathan was born, Irene and her husband Mark wanted to hold him and spend time with him.

The midwife took photos of Jonathan and took his handprints and footprints. They gave Mark and Irene a memory box – supplied to the hospital by Féilecáin.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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