Gaelscoil goes pink to help inspirational pupil Roxanne

THE GAELSCOIL enjoyed an explosion of bándearg recently as pupils and staff pulled out every shade of pink imaginable to support an inspirational little girl.

Gaelscoil Eoghain Uí Thuairisc organised a wear-pink day for Roxanne Kelly, a senior infant pupil at the school. Roxanne was born with a rare condition called Arthrogryposis, which severely impacts her physical movement. She urgently needs specialised medical treatment in the USA to improve her quality of life and her future and over the past few weeks the local community has rallied around to help raise the €180,000 needed.

The Gaelscoil was also keen to get on board and knowing Roxanne’s favourite colour was pink, what better way to visibly show everyone’s support than to host a wear-pink day.

“Oh, absolutely everyone got on board … pupils, teachers … and the boys did a phenomenal job with all their pink,” said principal Ruth Ní Chearbhalláin. “There was such a great feeling and atmosphere of support on the day: high-fives from the children and lots of children bringing in envelopes with their donations and lots of personal notes wishing Roxanne well, little bracelets made … it was so sweet,” she added. Pride of place was Roxanne, who wore a beautiful pink dress herself. “She was gorgeous, she’s such an inspiration to us all,” said Ruth. Almost €2,000 was raised on the day, with people generously digging deep to support Roxanne.

“It was really notable that in some of the envelopes there was maybe €10 folded up and then €5 folded up, it was like everyone in the family wanted to put their little bit in … the support was just phenomenal,” said Ruth. To continue the support for Roxanne, check out the GoFundMe page Urgent Call to Help Roxanne. The Grange community is also supporting the Roxanne fundraiser appeal  with a night in Walshe's of Killerig on Saturday 19 October from 8.30pm with a raffle, door prizes and an auction on the night.