The people of Cork pledged €22,000 in 60 minutes to send a seven-year-old girl to England for important medical tests after hearing her heart-breaking story on RedFM.
Abbey Murphy has a bowel problem which causes her to vomit her own excrement.
Abbey’s grandmother Kathleen, spoke to Neil Prendeville on RedFM this morning about the daily torment Abbey goes through because of her illness.
“She has to wear nappies to school and she finds it very embarrassing.”
Abbey has been very sick since she was born. At three and a half she was diagnosed with a diaphragmatic hernia which is an abnormal opening in the diaphragm that allows part of the organs from the belly to move into the chest cavity.
Because of the diaphragmatic hernia, Abbey’s bowel had to be moved from her chest down to its proper place, but Abbey’s grandmother said her granddaughter’s bowels have never worked properly.
“We have been up and down to Crumlin hospital for the past five years and the consultant told us he wanted to get a second opinion, so we went to London and we got one.”
Abbey needs important tests in Great Ormond Street hospital which cost £8,500 so the consultant can know what options are available for Abbey.
She was due to fly out to England tomorrow, July 15, with her mum, dad and grandmother to begin the preparation for the tests.
Up until yesterday, Abbey and her family thought the medical procedures would be covered by the Treatment Abroad Scheme, but they got a phonecall yesterday to say that they were no longer covered because the tests are with a private consultant in England.
According to the family the HSE withdrew the funding for the treatment at the last minute and the tests would be covered if they were public, but the family could be waiting two and a half years.
After speaking to Abbey’s grandmother Kathleen, the Neil Prendeville Show on Cork’s RedFM launched a campaign and within 60 minutes, the people of Cork pledged in excess of €22,000 to send Abbey to hospital.
Her hospital bill is expected to cost €11,000.
Sinn Fein TD Jonathan O’ Brien also heard the family’s appeal and has contacted Health Minister Simon Harris’ office on their behalf.
A response has not yet been given by the Minister for Health.
