Ryan Tubridy sent his love and well wishes to a cancer survivor who inspired the Toy Show appeal after she was diagnosed with the disease for a second time.
Young Saoirse Ruane was diagnosed with osteosarcoma in December 2019 and had her right leg amputated as Ireland entered lockdown in March 2020.
Saoirse, 10, from Kiltullagh, Galway, captured the hearts of the nation on The Late Late Toy Show later that year when she bravely spoke about having her leg amputated due to the rare tumour.
She revealed she had three wishes - to appear on the Toy Show, to go on a family holiday and to walk again with her prosthetic leg by Christmas 2020.
Saoirse’s mum revealed that her daughter’s fundraiser for a prosthetic leg reached its target so she donated the extra money to kids in need.
Saoirse’s actions inspired the Toy Show Appeal, which has raised more than €11million for charities since it was launched in 2020.
Host Ryan sent love and strength to Saoirse as she faces her second cancer diagnosis.
He said: “My Toy Show friend Saoirse Ruane got some bad news recently and her family are hoping we might all send her the love and strength she needs to ‘figure out the road map’, as her mum said.
“Saoirse is extraordinary and she’s the reason we started the Toy Show Appeal.
“I hope she knows how much we cherish her. Love to her and all the Ruanes tonight and to any family facing a struggle.”
Saoirse’s parents Roseanna and Ollie said they are heartbroken by her diagnosis and asked people to pray for her.
Posting on Instagram, they said: “Last Wednesday, we ended up back where it all started on December 1, 2019, in UHG.
“The very same cubicle, on the very same paediatric ward and after yet another day of tests, we (Saoirse’s parents) are sitting once again in front of a paediatric consultant being told the words we never ever wanted to hear again!
“We just don’t have the words for you all, we are simply heartbroken!
“We knew this day could come but we did our utmost to park it in the back of our minds as much as possible, be positive, be grateful and get on with our lives.
“I feel physically sick writing this and can’t emphasise enough to you all life is so so unbelievably precious!
“We would ask for all your prayers at this time while we along with our amazing oncologist and team figure out the road map to this next journey.”
Saoirse’s parents said she is being brave despite her devastating diagnosis.
They said: “Saoirse (being Saoirse) is being incredibly brave and we as a family ask that you give us time now to comprehend this devastating news.”
Saoirse has received thousands of good wishes from people across Ireland.
Adam King, whose virtual hug became a symbol of hope on the 2020 Toy Show, sent a special hug to Saoirse.
He said: “Big love and hugs to you from all of us and an especially big hug from Adam to Saoirse.”
Lynsey Bennett, who is seriously ill with cervical cancer settled her case against the HSE over the reading of her CervicalCheck tests last year, sent “endless amounts of love”.
Architect Dermot Bannon said: “Thinking of you all.”
And singer Una Healy added: “This is heartbreaking news. Sending so much love and strength to Saoirse and to all her family.”
Camogie star Anna Geary said: “I’m so sorry. Sending love and strength. It’s heartbreaking.”
And chef Donal Skehan said: “So sorry to hear this. Sending so much love.”
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