BROKEN HEARTS

LOVED Saoírse Ruane, who was on The Late Late Toy Show, died of cancer when she was only 12.

The brave girl from Galway, whose appearance on the Toy Show won hearts across the country, died on Tuesday, her family said this morning.

Saoírse was diagnosed with cancer in November 2019 after complaining of an injured ankle. In 2020, her leg was cut off because an Osteosarcoma tumor in her tibia was found to be cancerous and likely to kill her.

When Saoírse joined Ryan Tubridy on the Late Late Toy Show in 2020, her story became well known.

The Galway girl’s fight against a rare form of bone cancer amazed everyone with how strong and tough she was.

The death of Saoírse has broken the hearts of her parents, Roseanna and Ollie, and her little sister Farrah-Rose.

They told everyone about their terrible loss by saying, “After a long brave and dignified battle, our hearts are shattered to tell you that our beautiful little Saoírse took her last breath in our arms on Tuesday.”

“Thank you to all of our wonderful fans for thinking about Saoírse and us over the past few weeks.

“Today, we also think of you because we know how much the country loved Saoírse and how she changed the lives of so many people.”

“Cancer, you took her away from us. You also took away our dreams and the life we had.” Things will never be the same!

Please give us some space as we go on our last and final trip with our beautiful girl. “Farrah Rose and Mamma Dadda.”

President Michael D. Higgins and stars from all over show business have paid tribute to the beloved girl. Her story was told on The Toy Show the first year they started their huge charity campaign.

through her battle, Saoírse’s family gave a “devastating” health update in November of last year, saying that her cancer had spread.

After a recurring tumor was found in her left lung earlier in 2023, they said it was a “huge shock” to them that the cancer had spread to her other lung.

It was Saoírse’s “biggest battle to date” because she had to go through more chemotherapy.

In April, Roseanna said, “Little did they know that their world was about to fall apart again.”
“To say we’re devastated just doesn’t cover it,” she said. It’s not fair that she’s been to war so many times and fought so hard.

Saoírse had already had a few dreams come true, like going to Old Trafford to see Manchester United play and going on her dream vacation to Disneyland.
When people heard that Saoírse had died, they sent her a lot of tributes.
The office of President Michael D. Higgins said, “President Higgins has sent his deepest condolences to the family of Saoírse Ruane from Kiltullagh, Co. Galway, after her death at the age of 12.” Everyone was moved by Saoírse’s strength and kindness.
Tanaiste Micheal Martin also said, “Very saddened by the death of Saoírse Ruane.”
“I will always remember meeting Saoirse and her mother Roseanna in Croke Park and seeing her beautiful smile and love for GAA.”
“The Toy Show Appeal is an amazing thing she left behind.” We’re very sorry for her family and friends’ loss.
Tubs’ tears
After Saoirse’s appearance on The Toy Show, Ryan Tubridy, who used to host Late Late, became friends with her family. He said that the “world is a poorer place” without her.

According to him, hearing the news of his dear young friend Saoírse Ruane’s death made him feel the saddest thoughts possible.
“As soon as we met, we became friends.” People all over the country fell in love with her, and because of her, a charity was founded. Through this, she helped make the lives of thousands of Irish children better and more hopeful.
“A child who is selfless, humble, kind, hopeful, and thoughtful.” She was everything our country should and could be, and her death will make a lot of us think about things.
“My condolences and all the love I can muster go out to Roseanna, Ollie, and Farrah Rose. They are a beautiful family whose whole world has been turned upside down by this tragedy.”
“Thank them for letting us all know about their amazing Saorse.”
“The world is a poorer place without Saoírse but I do hope that twinkle in her eye shines on and on.”
The legacy of Saoírse
Roz Purcell, a radio host on RTE 2FM, said, “No one will forget Saoírse; she left a huge mark and mark on Ireland.”
“In 12 years, she did so much.” May she rest in peace. Think about all of her family and friends who will miss her a lot.
Patrick O’Mahony, the captain of Ireland’s rugby team, said, “I’m very sorry to read this.” She was an inspiration.
Rosana, I’m so sorry, said Kathryn Thomas of RTE. Your lovely daughter made our lives so much better.
“A small part of what she brought into your life.” That smile is great. Thinking about all of you. “Take it easy, little angel.”

Today FM It was DJ Declan Pierce who wrote, “My beautiful friend. It breaks my heart so much.
“The best thing about my job is getting to know Saoírse through the radio show. From the bottom of my heart, I love you all the time.
Singer RuthAnne wrote on her blog, “Heartbroken. She was truly unique, and her bravery knew no bounds.”
“I am so thankful that I met her and had the chance to sing with her. What an honor!”
“That is something I will always treasure and hold close to my heart. Lots of love and light to everyone.”
Saoirse’s funeral will be held at St. Peter and Paul’s Church, Kiltullagh, on Sunday at 1.45 p.m.
It also said, “Saoírse will rest at home on Friday, March 8, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.”
“From the Bullaun Church parking lot (H62 YH66), a bus service will leave. Please follow the stewards’ instructions and only use the bus service to get to the event.”

My New Neighbors Invited Me Over, but All I Found Was an Abandoned Child with a Heartbreaking Note — Story of the Day

My new neighbors seemed odd from the start. Their little child played alone, and I ended up spending half the day with her until her mother finally appeared. Out of courtesy, she invited me over. The next day, I found the abandoned child with a heartbreaking note. I decided to act immediately.

It was a typical quiet day in our small suburban neighborhood when I noticed the moving truck pull up to the old house next door. The place had been abandoned for years, and seeing any activity there was surprising enough.

I stood at my window, peering through the curtains like a curious cat.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“Who are they?” I muttered to myself, trying to make sense of what I was seeing.

The man was tall, with sharp features that made him look like he’d stepped out of a noir film.

The woman with him, though—she was something else. Pale, almost ghostly, with a distant look in her eyes as if she was there, but not really.

And then, there was the little girl.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

She couldn’t have been more than four years old. Tiny thing, with big eyes full of innocence, clutching a worn-out teddy bear as if it was her only friend in the world.

She played alone in the overgrown yard, her small figure seeming even smaller against the wild grass and tangled weeds.

What a strange family!

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Samuel and I had always dreamed of having kids. After years of trying, though, it became painfully clear that it wasn’t going to happen for us.

Samuel never talked much about it, always brushing it off with a shrug or a quick change of subject.

But me? I couldn’t let go of the dream. And seeing that little girl, so alone… It stirred something deep inside me.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

***

A few days later, I went for my usual walk around the neighborhood. As I turned the corner, there she was—the little girl from the neighbor’s house. This time, she was dangerously close to the street.

“Hey there, sweetie,” I called out gently, hurrying over. “Let’s not play so close to the road, okay?”

She looked up at me with wide, innocent eyes, and for a moment, I just stood there, holding her tiny hand.

I led her back toward her house and knocked on the door. No answer. My hand hesitated on the doorknob.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

Should I?

I took a deep breath and pushed it open, just a crack.

The house was almost empty, just a few old pieces of furniture and scattered boxes. It was like they’d moved in but hadn’t settled. Nobody was inside.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“What’s your name, sweetie?” I asked, crouching down to the girl’s level.

“Lily,” she replied, her voice as soft as a whisper.

“Well, Lily,” I said, “how about we draw some pictures?”

“I have no crayons.”

Those words cut a hole in my heart.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

“Alrighty! Let’s use a stick and sand outside!” I tried to cheer her up.

She nodded eagerly, and I began tracing simple shapes with a wooden stick—a heart, a star, and the letter “A.” Lily watched closely, her eyes widening with each stroke of the stick.

“Can I try?” she asked, reaching for the stick.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“Of course,” I handed it to her, “Why don’t you try writing your name?”

She carefully drew a shaky “L” in the dirt, then looked up at me for approval.

“That’s great, Lily! You’re doing such a good job!” I encouraged her.

After a while, we moved on to another game. I pointed to some stones nearby.

“Let’s build something together. How about a castle?”

“A castle! Yes!”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

We gathered the stones, stacking them one on top of the other. It was a simple structure, really, but to Lily, it seemed like the grandest thing in the world.

“Look, it’s like a tower,” she said, placing a small stone carefully on top.

“It is! And here’s another one for the other side,” I added, handing her a flat stone. “You know, this could be where the princess lives.”

Lily’s face lit up even more at the idea.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“And the prince can live over here,” she said, pointing to a spot on the other side.

I noticed how intently Lily focused on the task as if each stone was a precious gem. It made me wonder if she had ever played with real toys before.

“Thank you for playing with me.”

My heart swelled at her words.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

As the sun began to set, I started to worry about what to do.

Finally, the girl’s mother appeared, almost out of nowhere. She seemed surprised to see me but didn’t show much emotion.

“Thanks,” she said flatly, taking the girl’s hand. “I was nearby all the time.”

There was no warmth, no smile—just those words. Before leaving, she added,

“Why don’t you come over for tea tomorrow?”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

It wasn’t so much an invitation as an obligation. But I nodded, agreeing anyway.

I glanced down at Lily. She had been so engaged, so full of life while we played, but the moment her mother appeared, something in her seemed to change.

“Lily, it’s time to go.”

Without a word, Lily simply walked over to her mother, her small hand slipping into the woman’s cold grasp. There was no protest, no hesitation—just quiet obedience.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“Okay, Mommy.”

Lily looked back at me. “Will you come to play with me again?”

“Of course, sweetie,” I replied, my voice catching in my throat.

As I watched them disappear down the path, a sense of unease crept over me. That sadness in Lily’s eyes was like a silent plea, a cry for help that she couldn’t voice.

There was something off about this family—something I couldn’t quite put my finger on.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

***

The next day, I hesitated, staring at the chipped paint on the neighbor’s door, then knocked. No answer. I knocked again, louder this time, but still nothing.

“Hello? It’s me, from next door,” I called out, hoping to hear some sign of life inside.

Nothing. The house remained eerily quiet, the silence pressing down on me like a weight. After what felt like an eternity, I hesitantly pushed the door open and stepped inside.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“Hello?”

My footsteps sounded loud against the wooden floor as I wandered through the rooms, each one emptier than the last.

Then, in the living room, I found Lily. She was sitting on the floor with a pack of cookies and a bottle of water. She was holding a piece of paper in her tiny hands.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“Lily?” I whispered, kneeling beside her.

She didn’t say anything, just handed me the note. I unfolded the paper, the heartbreaking message inside sending a cold chill down my spine:

“She’s yours if you want her. We know you’ll take good care of her.”

I stared at the words, my mind racing.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Who would do such a thing? Abandon their child like this, leaving her in an empty house with nothing but a note?

Panic started to rise in my chest, and I grabbed Lily, pulling her close.

“We need to go,” I whispered, scooping her up into my arms.

As I headed for the door, a terrifying thought crossed my mind.

What if this was a trap?

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

I froze for a moment, my heart pounding. But then I looked down at Lily. I couldn’t leave her there, no matter the risks.

When we arrived back at my house, Samuel was already home. He looked up from the couch as I walked in.

“What is this?” he demanded.

I set Lily down gently and handed her a box of crackers and a glass of milk.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“Here, sweetie, why don’t you have a snack and watch some cartoons?” I said, turning on the TV to distract her.

Once she was settled, I turned back to Samuel, who was now standing, his face twisted with anger.

“Why is there a child in our house, Eliza?” he raised his voice.

“Samuel, I found her alone,” I began, my voice trembling. “In that empty house, with nothing but this note.”

I handed him the paper. He read the note quickly, then looked up at me.

“You’ve broken our agreement, Eliza. We agreed—no children in this house!”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“Samuel, I couldn’t just leave her there! She was all alone, with no one to take care of her,” I pleaded, trying to make him understand.

But his anger only grew.

“I told you I didn’t want kids! And now you’ve brought one into our home? Do you even realize what you’ve done?”

His words cut deep, like a knife twisting in my chest.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“You never said that! All these years, you said it was because of your health…”

He looked away, his jaw clenched.

“I lied. I never wanted children, Eliza. I just didn’t want to lose you.”

It felt like the ground had been pulled out from under me. All those years, all those hopes and dreams… I had been living a lie.

Samuel delivered his ultimatum:

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

“Either you take her back, or go away.”

I stared at him, the man I had loved and trusted, and realized that I couldn’t stay. Not like this. Not with him.

Without another word, I turned away from him, gathering a few belongings. I packed a small bag, trying to hold back the tears that threatened to spill over.

I couldn’t abandon Lily after everything she had already been through.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels

As I took Lily’s hand and led her to the door, Samuel didn’t stop me. He just stood there, cold and distant, as if we were strangers.

I had no idea where we would go.

Finally, we ended up at the school where I work and spent the night in my office. I knew it wasn’t a permanent solution, but it was a start.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

***

In the following days, I began the adoption process for Lily, but it wasn’t easy. The authorities insisted I needed a stable home.

Then, unexpectedly, they informed me that Lily’s biological parents had left her an inheritance — the house. So, I could adopt Lily and move in there.

Shocked, I dug deeper and discovered that Lily’s foster parents — my neighbors — had adopted Lily solely for that inheritance. But realizing they couldn’t care for her, they decided she deserved better.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

To ensure she wouldn’t end up in another home for the wrong reasons, they left her, and the house, in my care. We moved in the same day, and the house became our home, filled with warmth and love.

Lily slowly opened up, and every time she called me “Mommy,” my heart swelled.

Samuel, living alone, began to reconsider his choices. He started helping around the house and taking care of Lily when I was busy. Forgiving him wasn’t easy, but his efforts made me feel that maybe we could find our way back to each other.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Tell us what you think about this story, and share it with your friends. It might inspire them and brighten their day.

If you enjoyed this story, read this one: My husband was cheating on me with my boss, and I silently endured it. Then, my boss handed me tickets to distant islands, clearly with her own agenda. At the airport, I found myself fighting for a taxi. Little did I know, that chaotic moment would mark the beginning of an unexpected love story.

This piece is inspired by stories from the everyday lives of our readers and written by a professional writer. Any resemblance to actual names or locations is purely coincidental. All images are for illustration purposes only. Share your story with us; maybe it will change someone’s life.

Related Posts

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*