Many of you in Sunbury may know of brave little Nerea who lost her 5 1/2 year battle with leukemia and gained her wings on June 21st this year, on Father’s Day. She was only 11 years old and she leaves a huge void in the lives of those who knew her, especially her parents Izzy and Seamus. During her illness they devoted their lives to supporting their daughter and helping raise awareness and money for charities that help children during these challenging years, including Momentum (see ad opposite). Nerea was an inspiring little girl who lit up the lives of those who knew her.
How can any parent make sense of the death of a child? Everyone prayed for a miracle, for recovery, but as a friend said in her eulogy, maybe the miracle was actually that she graced the world for those 11 years.
This little girl was passionate about life. She loved making things and showed her business sense by selling cards to the nurses and doctors at the hospital where she was being treated. She loved her school and adored the big outdoors, surfing, climbing, horse riding, cycling and kayaking. She got such pleasure from it all. She also loved music and dance. She knew all the lyrics from favourite band Little Mix, who she was so excited to meet. She carried on dancing even in her wheelchair! This was one tenacious and inspiring little girl, taken too early.
Her friends and parents are devastated at her loss. Help for Nerea’s Family Friends have instigated a crowdfunding page on JustGiving to try to raise funds both for children’s charities who supported her fight, but also to support her parents, to give them time to grieve without the added burden of having to go to work for a few months. If you can help please do. Visit justgiving.com and search ‘Nerea’s friends’.