Saoírse Ruane’s mum sends heartbreaking message ahead of Christmas

"The Toy Show" star, who inspired the nation with her bravery, passed away at the age of 12 on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, after a long battle with a rare form of cancer.

Saoírse was the main inspiration behind the "Toy Show Appeal", launched in 2020, a charity fund that has led to millions of euros being raised and is designed to help a range of children’s charities around Ireland.

 Saoírse Ruane’s mum has sent a heartbreaking message on social media ahead of her family’s first Christmas since the young "Toy Show" star’s death. 

Difficult time

Taking to Instagram on the mamaandsaoirse page, where she previously provided health updates on Saoírse, Roseanna Ruane opened up about preparing for the Christmas period.

"As we approach the most 'joyous' time of the year I feel it’s important to acknowledge how difficult these next 8 weeks will be for those who have lost a dear one, not only this year but any year.

"Christmas seems to get closer and closer to Halloween yearly and so yesterday saw the launch of the new John Lewis Advert (which to some would mean Xmas has officially started). I can’t bring myself to watch it. You see this was another huge tradition in our house & traditions are something we can’t hold hands with this year as it’s way too painful.

Christmas

‘Every year (being big Xmas lovers) we would eagerly wait the John Lewis advert. We would all huddle up on the couch & grasp the excitement. I would ALWAYS cry!! And Saoírse would always embrace me. Then our tradition was to go back through the archives and watch our most favorite of the John Lewis Ads over the years," she wrote.

Going to thank her followers for messaging her to know the new John Lewis advert is out and to "proceed with caution," Roseanna said she had decided to "pause the traditions because they are too painful".

She explained: "I will be avoiding a lot of things & I want to take this opportunity to gently ask you all to spare a thought for those who are missing someone & how excruciating it actually is for them. Christmas Carols, Xmas eve Mass, 'Silent Night', Toys, Santa, Party Nights, so on so forth. I dread it all, especially the 'one less chair around our table'.

"Anyone that knows me will know I’ve always wanted more around my table, so take it from me, extend your table this year, take down those spare chairs from the attic, set the extra places & if you’re lucky enough to have family, have them all for Christmas Day. Make Memories!"

Roseanna added: "This video was taken this time last year when the girls were writing their letters to Santa. Another big tradition. Hot chocolate, Fancy Paper, colorful pens & Christmas music in the background.

"Saoírse helped write Farrah Rose’s first & then she put so much thought into her own. My heart is broken as are many other Mums & Dads this Xmas. My message to you all is to – Be grateful, be kind and be present!"

At her funeral back in March, Saoirse was described as a "wonderful little angel".

People lined up outside Saints Peter and Paul’s Church in Kiltullagh, while pupils from Saoirse’s Kiltullagh National School and members of a local GAA club formed a guard of honor outside the church.

The funeral cortege was led by two garda motorbikes.

Former "Late Late Show" host Ryan Tubridy, who became a friend of Saoirse after she appeared on the RTÉ show, traveled from London to attend the funeral.

Addressing those gathered for the funeral, Fr Declan McInerney said Saoirse was now the "Saint of Kiltullagh".

* This article was originally published on Extra.ie.