Fundraise for Carmel Cunningham

Growing up, I and so many others have been very fortunate to be part of Carmel’s family, and this short piece I write is the least I felt I could do for her in such a difficult period. Carmel’s deeply caring nature and effortless ability to bring light into every room she enters leaves a lasting impression on those lucky enough to know her.

As an established hairdresser, her clients have always been drawn by her illuminating and energizing presence, as well as knowing they will always be leaving the room looking even more fabulous!

As a devoted mother to her two young daughters, a loving partner to Rory and true friend to so many, her diagnosis of breast cancer earlier this year has left us sad, confused and a million other emotions.

Looking for reconciliation, the only thing which is clear is that we must do all we can to support Carmel during what is undoubtedly a very stressful period.

During the later stages of Carmel’s pregnancy in late 2017 she was diagnosed with cancer. Further tests have revealed that the cancer had spread. She is now at stage four.

In order to expedite treatment, her baby Sophie was delivered four weeks early by caesarean section, whilst Carmel began intensive treatment. Thank God her gorgeous baby girl Sophie is well and thriving today. Carmel has recently undergone further chemotherapy and now awaits results. The aim at this stage is, at best, to halt the cancer and maintain things as they are. We pray that this will be the outcome.

Cancer is horrific and grim and nasty and ugly and draining. It affects so many people in the most awful way.

Carmel also affects so many people, but she does it in the best possible way. We all know she is beautiful, hilarious, loving and despite such adversity, she still has that sparkle in her eye.

Recently, I caught up with Carmel in Galway, and discovered that she will not be able to return to work for the foreseeable. It takes at least two years for chemo to leave the body. The pressures of a serious illness at a time when Carmel and her family should be enjoying the fruits of her labour are clearly taking their toll.

I, along with many of Carmel’s friends are shamelessly raising money for her and her family. Every smile, hug and laugh gorgeous Carmel has given us is priceless. Let’s show it to her. If together we can help Carmel fight, forget or just enjoy her time for a moment, whilst she battles this undeserved illness, then we have done something that will make a difference.

Partner Rory, their two young kids Rubie (2.5yrs) and Sophie (4mths), Mum Mary, Dad John, brother Thomas and sister Pauline are everything to her and she is everything to them. They are all being so positive, brave and supportive at this very testing and stressful time. God help us if we have to go through this ourselves.

Luckily Carmel is one of God’s better people, and deservingly she has amazing friends and family who can now give back and make a difference. Together we can show Carmel how much we love her. Let’s dig deep. Hopefully whilst Carmel is tackling this cancer, she can at the least have a something from us, so that she and her family can alleviate unnecessary financial pressures for a while. She is selfless, bonkers, brilliant and beautiful inside and out. Let’s keep her that way.

Thank you so much in advance for your generosity and support. Love your loved ones. You only get one of them.

Xxx