Derry woman's fundraising appeal for 5-month-old niece facing serious health challenges

Little Èadha Hayes has faced multiple serious health challenges since her birth earlier this year.

Éadha was born four weeks premature on June 19th this year at University Maternity Hospital Limerick, a second daughter for Catherine, a native of Derry, and Chris, and little sister to Brenna.

Èadha's had her first operation when she was just hours old after being whisked off by ambulance to the Children's Hospital in Crumlin.

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She was diagnosed with VACTERL association, including conditions like tracheoesophageal fistula (TOF), esophageal atresia, and spinal abnormalities.

The five-month-old has undergone multiple surgeries, including five procedures on her trachea to avoid a tracheostomy, but now requires one and will need a lengthy recovery period, including an extended stay in hospital before transitioning to home care.

Due to her health needs, Èadha will require two full-time caregivers, meaning one of her mum, Catherine, 35 and a trained nurse and midwife, will be unable to work for the foreseeable future. This has created financial strain for the family, especially for her older sister, Brenna, who is missing the support of both parents.

To help ease the financial burden, Èadha's aunt, Emma Melaugh set up an online fundraiser this week, which has already reached its £25,000 target.

Emma told Belfast Live: "Èadha is currently facing several significant health challenges, including tracheoesophageal fistula (TOF), oesophagal atresia, duodenal atresia with annular pancreas, and spinal abnormalities—collectively referred to as VACTERL association.

"Additionally, she has developed tracheomalacia (floppy trachea) as a complication from her TOF surgery, requiring five surgical procedures on her trachea in an effort to avoid a tracheostomy.

"Unfortunately, despite these medical interventions, Éadha now requires a tracheostomy. She's expected to endure a lengthy recovery process and will likely involve approximately one year of hospitalisation at Crumlin before transitioning to full nursing care at home.

"Her mum is my sister and has been a caregiver all her life but now she needs support and as her sister I feel this is the least I can do. To support them, I created a GoFundMe campaign on Wednesday to help alleviate some of their financial burdens."

Emma added: "We are completely overwhelmed by the response so far and Catherine doesn't know how she'll ever thank people for their generosity.

"Having been living down in Dublin since June with her husband and older daughter and trying to juggle everything and then to receive the news this week that Éadha needs a tracheostomy, she was feeling very alone but this has lifted her so much.

"She is so thankful and it has really renewed her faith in the kindness of people and how they can rally around you in times of need. It's not just about the money but all the love and support from people in Derry and Limerick that they don't even know who have reached out to help."

You can donate to the 'Extraordinary Èadha's Journey' fundraiser here.

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