KATIE McCABE’S sister Lauryn dedicated a goal for Shamrock Rovers to a young fan who is receiving treatment in Temple Street Children’s Hospital.
Grace Donegan, 10, is in hospital after suffering a sudden brain bleed on Tuesday, January 30.
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The young girl collapsed during gymnastics after suffering a sudden brain bleed caused by an aneteriovenous malformation.
The Dubliner was rushed to Our Lady’s Children‘s Hospital and then transferred from there to Temple Street Hospital where she underwent emergency brain surgery.
She has been in hospital for the past six weeks, with a GoFundMe page – named Amazing Grace – set up by friends of her parents Linda and Eddie, and has raised over €69,000 at time of writing.
Grace, who is a promising footballer for Kilnamanagh Athletic, was sent a video message by her idol – Republic of Ireland and Arsenal star Katie McCabe – hoping for a speedy recovery.
Read More on Katie McCabe
And in a subsequent gesture, McCabe’s younger sister Lauryn dedicated her recent star-showing for Shamrock Rovers to Donegan.
McCabe scored a hat-trick for the Hoops’ U17s in their 8-2 win against Drogheda on Saturday.
And in a touching moment during her celebrations, lifted up her jersey to show an under-shirt with the words “For Grace” written on it.
She shared a photo of the celebration to Instagram, as well as a selfie of her with Grace Donegan, with the message: “That was for you Grace” as the caption.
In the comments, her superstar sister commented three love heart emojis, while Grace’s mother Linda expressed her gratitude.
She said: “Well done Lauryn and thank you for your thoughtfulness.
“You have put a massive smile on Grace’s face today. She will always be you #1 supporter as you inspire her everyday.
“Thank you so much”
As part of her treatment, Grace will require radiation to shrink the AVM and constant monitoring of this for the next two to five years.
In the next few months her team are hoping to move Grace to The National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH) in Dun Laoghaire where she will require intensive physiotherapy/speech therapy/occupational therapy.
On the GoFundMe page, St Kevin’s fourth class student is described as a “funny, energetic, strong willed, beautiful young girl with a passion for football.”
It adds: “There is nothing Grace can’t do and she excels at everything.
“Grace’s parents Linda and Eddie would like to thank family, friends, the community of Kilnamanagh and everyone who has supported them and their family through this extremely difficult time.
“They have felt the love and support of everyone and in their words felt “held” at a time when they needed it most.”
