Ailish Hurley

Hi, my name is Ailish Hurley. On the 6th of July last year, myself and my partner's life changed for ever! Our darling daughter was diagnosed with a major heart defect. The easy description of her condition was she had 5 major holes in her heart. It was like our whole world had fallen apart, our darling little girl was now seriously ill. Within hours of her diagnosis, we were transferred to Crumlin.

For days we didn't know whether we were coming or going. But the help we got in Crumlin was out of this world. It in an amazing place. Aoibheann was kept in hospital for a few days before being sent home. She wasn't big enough to have the operation there and then. Aoibheann was 3 and half months old when her heart problem was found. From then on, we had to attend regular appointments with the cardiologist.

Then in Dec 2011, we got the phone call to say that Aoibheann's operation would be the following week. I just broke down in tears and all I could think was how can I be strong for my beautiful little girl. Poor Aoibheann had not a clue what was going on. The next few days just seemed to fly by and the day arrived for Aoibheann's operation. The night before we met the surgeon, Prof. Mark Redmond. he really put our minds at ease as best he could-but no one can prepare you to hand over your darling baby to basically strangers.

But we managed to do it and it was the hardest thing i have ever done in my life. I would not wish it on anybody.Having said all that, the surgeon and his team carried out an amazin gjob on Aoibheann and her heart was all fixed. Aoibheann spent 3 days in PICU on the 2nd floor and then she was trasferred over to St. Teresa's ward. The nurses were amazing and so kind and helpful. Aoibheann got home from hospital on the 20th of Dec, 2011-just in time for her first Christmas. It was magical.

Myself and my partner Hugh owe so much to Crumlin Hospital. words cannot express the gratitude and respect we have for every worker in the hospital. Aoibheann is now 14 months and absolutly flying along.

This weekend, I am partaking in my first fundraiser for Crumlin. I am getting a lot of sponsorship from it and it is amazing to see the support people give to this wonderful charity. i am doing a 15k walk from Navan to Slane. 4 other members of my family are doing the walk also.

Thanks for the space to share our amazing story of our beautiful daughter, Aoibheann Donnelly.