The Late Late Toy Show generates plenty of excitement across the country each year, but for Roseanna Ruane, it is a reminder of her daughter, Saoirse, and all that she managed to achieve in her short life.
Saoirse won the hearts of the nation when she appeared on the iconic show in 2020, chatting with then-host Ryan Tubridy. She has since inspired the Toy Show Appeal, which helps children in need across the country.
Roseanna spoke to RTÉ about the mark her little girl, who died after a battle with cancer at just 12 years old, managed to leave. ‘We’re filled with pride to think that she will always be remembered as the girl who inspired the Toy Show Appeal,’ the proud mum said.
Pic: Saoirse Ruane and mum -event for loss/Supplied
‘At the age of seven, Saoirse was diagnosed with a rare life life-threatening cancer of the bone called osteosarcoma,’ Roseanna explained, adding her life changed when she was ‘lucky enough to be called for an audition in Dublin for the Toy Show.’
‘There was something people could see in Saoirse that not everybody could see,’ she recalled. ‘From the moment we wake, till the moment we sleep, we talk about Saoirse every day, and that keeps her memory alive.’
Saoirse Ruane with her mother Roseanna. Pic: Brian McEvoy
Roseanna added that her younger daughter, Farrah-Rose, still looks up to her sister, saying: ‘She’s so proud of her big sister. When we were getting her ears pierced, she said, “Saoirse would be so proud of me, and I’m going to be brave just like Saoirse.”
RTÉ posted a clip of the documentary, titled Unwrapped: The Toy Show Appeal, on social media. The comment section was flooded with messages of support for the Ruane family, with people promising that Saoirse will never be forgotten.
‘We will always remember your beautiful Saoirse,’ one person wrote, while another said, ‘There’ll never be a toy show without remembering Saoirse. Saoirse lives in our hearts forever.’
‘Aw, she will NEVER EVER be forgotten. She is the Toy Show now. Also, such a brave, young, beautiful little girl who left this world far too early. Xxxxx,’ a third person added.
If you would like to donate to the Toy Show Appeal, you can do so here.
