Updated: 5.50pm
An online appeal to help a young Donegal mother’s cancer battle has touched countless hearts in the past day.
Hundreds of people have rushed to donate money to Sonya Hamilton Mc Closkey, a 35-year-old mum of five who was recently diagnosed with cancer.
In the past 24 hours, the GoFundMe fundraiser has gathered €22,000 from over 500 people.
And a further €10,000 has been donated through cheques and personal donations.
Sonya’s family launched the appeal yesterday in a bid to give her a fighting chance against the aggressive illness.
Sonya, who is from St Johnston and living in Ballybofey, hoped to raise €2,000 to cover the cost of specialised tests in the UK, which could determine the alternative treatment options available.
As donations flooded in last night, Sonya and her husband Michael shared a message of thanks from Galway University Hospital. She said that she was “overwhelmed by the wonderful support”.
Michael McCloskey and Sonya Hamilton McCloskey share a thumbs-up from Galway Hospital
Sonya’s parents have also thanked the public for their support. In a post on the ‘Sonya’s Struggle’ Facebook group, they wrote: “From the Hamilton family we would like to thank everyone for their support in these hard times. Sonya is the one that brings our family together.
“She comes down every Saturday with a boot full of food and goodies for the kids. All the grandchildren have great fun even though it can be noisy at times.
“Sonya has a heart of gold and she would do anything for anybody. We couldn’t ask for a better daughter. Keep on fighting dear. Lots of love from mum and dad.”
Sonya Hamilton Mc Closkey
Hundreds of well-wishers have sent messages and blessings to Sonya, Michael and their family to give them strength during their time of need.
Sonya was diagnosed with cancer of the breast, lymph nodes, pancreas, liver and lungs just three months ago, after struggling with unexplained symptoms for two years. She has spent the past few weeks in an oncology ward, separated from her family as her four youngest children are too young to visit the ward.
Every euro counts for the family, as Michael gave up his main source of income on the day of Sonya’s devastating diagnosis to be with her and their children.
If you would like to donate to the GoFundMe page, please click here: https://www.gofundme.com/qap9y-sonyas-battle
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