Saoírse Ruane, who inspired a huge toy appeal on RTÉ’s The Late Late Toy Show, has died aged 12.
The young fundraiser died on Tuesday after ongoing treatment for an Osteosarcoma tumour, which is a form of bone .
In 2020, Ruane appeared in a special of the Irish chat show and spoke with then-host Ryan Tubridy about her diagnosis.
Ruane had her leg amputated as part of her treatment for the disease.
Her appearance led to the Toy Show Appeal, which has raised millions for children’s . In last year’s appeal, €3 million was raised.
Her family made a statement to announce the passing of their ‘beautiful’ daughter.
‘It is with broken hearts the Ruane family announces the passing of their beautiful daughter and sister, Saoírse, who passed away peacefully at home, after a long illness bravely borne, in the arms of her heartbroken parents, Ollie and Roseanna, on Tuesday, 5th March 2024,’ they wrote in an online notice.
‘Saoírse, aged just 12 years old, was surrounded, as she has been throughout her illness, by the love, care and devotion of her family, the prayers and goodwill of the community in Kiltullagh and people all over the country who held Saoírse in their hearts.’
Ruane ‘was loved beyond words and will be missed beyond measure’.
Ruane will repose at home on Friday March 8, and her funeral will take place on Sunday at St Peter and Paul’s Church in Kiltullagh.
‘In Saoírse’s short life, she inspired and influenced so many. If you would like to make a donation in Saoírse’s memory, please donate to the Galway Hospice using the following link: In Memory of Saoírse,’ the family requested.
The statement was concluded with a quote from Winnie the Pooh.
‘If ever there comes a time when we can’t be together, Keep me in your heart, I’ll stay there forever.’ They added: ‘Fly Now with the Angels Saoírse.’
Posting on Ruane’s Instagram, her family said: ‘Cancer you stole her from us, the life we had and our dreams. Life will never be the same!’
Ruane is survived by her parents Ollie and Roseanna, sister Farrah Rose, half-sister Rebecca, and grandparents Anne Ruane, Tony and Ann Brehony.
Host Ryan has paid tribute to the young guest on Instagram.
‘It is with the greatest sadness imaginable that I’ve heard the news of my dear young friend, Saoírse Ruane’s passing.
‘We became friends instantly when we met. She told her story, the nation fell in love with her and a charity began because of her and with that she helped enrich and encourage the lives of thousands of children in Ireland.’
He continued: ‘A selfless, humble, kind, optimistic and thoughtful child. She was everything we should and could be as a country and her passing will put so much into perspective for so many of us.
‘The world is a poorer place without Saoírse but I do hope that twinkle in her eye shines on and on,’ he concluded.
Ryan first met Ruane when she was aged just eight. She shared her dream to walk on the show. The incredible Ruane completed the goal and was met with cheers from the live audience.
Her next wish was to go on holiday with her family, and Ruane was told she was going to Disneyworld on the show.
