Disneyland trip for courageous children from Cork

Wed, 10 Oct, 2018 - 16:30

Sarah Horgan

CHILDREN fighting courageous battles left their troubles behind for the trip of a lifetime yesterday.

Volunteer Avril Corcoran, right, pictured with Alex Stack, Togher and Darragh McAulliffe from Ballyphehane at Cork Airport prior to the Cork City Hospital Childrens Club's annual visit to Eurodisney. Picture: Howard Crowdy

A total of 83 Cork City Hospitals Children’s Club nominees met at Cork Airport yesterday before jetting off to Disneyland, Paris.

Founded by John Looney, the Cork City Hospitals Children’s Club offers an annual holiday as well as a Christmas Day out to kids touch by illness or emotional trauma. For many, the holiday served as a welcome break after a painful year.

Twelve-year-old Alex Stark, who lost his father Seán last year after he suffered a cardiac arrest, was among the crowd. His mum Angela Quinn from Togher said: “His cousin Darragh is going with him. He’s with the scouts and is used to going away a lot so I know he’ll look after Alex.”

Leah Relihan from Shanballymore, who travelled to Eurodisney with the Cork City Hospital Childrens Club. Picture: Howard Crowdy

Leah Relihan from Shanballymore spends much of her time in hospital as a result of her Cystic Fibrosis. Ahead of her trip, the nine-year-old said that even in Disneyland she will be sparing a thought for the Cork University Hospital staff who look after her.

“The worst part of being in hospital has to be having my blood taken,” she said. “But the best part is the toasted ham and cheese sandwiches they make me for breakfast. CUH has the best ham and cheese sandwiches. I was on the way home from the cinema when I heard I was going to Disneyland. The first thing I did was let out a cheer.”

Cllr Mick Finn, Lord Mayor Cork, pictured with Anuoluwapo, Funmilayo, Isihaq and Atoke Abass from Douglas who were part of the Cork City Hospital Childrens Club's annual trip to Eurodisney. Picture: Howard Crowdy

It was also a significant day for the Bermingham family from Mallow who narrowly escaped death after a driver, over four times the legal alcohol limit, collided with their vehicle.

“I was nervous even driving to the airport today,” mum Mary confessed. “Last week someone pulled out of their drive too quickly and almost hit us. One of the kids started crying. It’s two years since the crash now but it’s still very frightening. It took away the kids innocence, but hopefully, this trip will give them a bit of it back.”

Lord Mayor Councillor Mick Finn was on hand to wish the children and volunteers well.

“I’m only disappointed I’m not going myself,” he joked. “I would like to congratulate all the volunteers for giving these children the gift of the trip of a lifetime.”