A FAMILY has been left devastated by the death of a Co Meath mum, who passed away from a terminal illness just two months after giving birth to her baby boy.
Michelle Bagnall gave birth to little Nico early to give him a chance of survival as she faced into the final weeks of her life due to being diagnosed with multiple brain tumours during her pregnancy.
Mellowes Childcare Centre is raising funds for the family[/caption]
Caring staff at a Meath childcare centre are now trying to help dad Oliver and his four children following their heartbreaking loss.
Michelle’s three other heartbroken children, twins aged four and a ten year old boy wake nightly looking for their mother.
In a cruel twist, self-employed dad Oliver, from Trim, had to give up work as a plasterer to take care of his seven month old baby and three older children.
But he is not entitled to some state supports.
During Michelle’s illness, the staff at Mellowes Childcare Centre in Athboy set up a WhatsApp group to be on call to help with any childcare needs.
Steven Carthy and Deborah Mc Guinness of Mellowes Adventure and Childcare Centre are now organising a family fun day later this month to raise funds for the family as they face into their darkest days.
Steven told how the wider community is heartbroken for Oliver and his four kids.
He said: “The older children have been coming to the centre for years and we all have a bond with them and the family. When we heard the news, we were heartbroken.
“Michelle was just like any other mother at creche. Smiling, juggling snacks and school runs and just raising three boys with another baby on the way. Michelle was full of life, love and laughter.
“During her pregnancy she felt unwell. A scan in December revealed the unthinkable.
“Michelle had multiple tumours on her brain which were cancerous and terminal.
“In a matter of weeks, Michelle and her husband Oliver were faced with an impossible decision – to bring baby Nico into the world early to give him a chance at life, knowing Michelle’s time was running out.”
‘DEEPLY UPSETTING’
Baby Nico was born on the 9th of January and Michelle passed away on 11th March, aged just 40, leaving a baby who would never know his mother and three small children without their precious mam.
Steven said: “Their world has been turned upside down.
“The children are waking in the middle of the night crying for their mam and Oliver hasn’t even started to grieve for Michelle himself.
“I’ve been working in the childcare sector for 21 years now and I’ve never come across a story so deeply upsetting.
“In the beginning everyone wanted to do something to help but no-one knew what to do”.
Steven and Debbie are organising a special family fun day on Sunday July 27th to raise funds for the family.
‘Michelle’s Family Fundraiser’ will be divided into two sessions from 11-2pm and 3-6pm and tickets can be obtained in advance from the centre.
Adult tickets are €10 and a child’s ticket is €20, but people have been urged to purchase them early as tickets are limited.
The events will include live music by local artists, bouncy castles, go-karts, family games and races and spot prizes.
Those who would like to contribute can make a donation on the ‘Michelle’s Family Fundraiser‘ page on GoFundMe.
