Remembering Saoírse – Variety Ireland’s First Child Ambassador

A week on from the announcement of our good friend Saoírse’s passing and we have had time to reflect on the impact she had on so many in her short life.

We met Saoírse for the first time back in 2021 and we were instantly taken with her shy and humble demeanour. We had heard her story of how, at the age of just 7, she was diagnosed with osteosarcoma and had a rare, life-threatening tumour on her leg, which had to be amputated. Like everyone in Ireland, we felt moved and in awe of her story when she told it a year later on the Late Late Toy Show in 2020. She had overcome a debilitating and lifechanging trauma but was determined to enjoy and experience everything a young child should.

She had learned to walk again and thanks to her own grit and determination was back cycling, playing camogie and learning how to swim. She had a smile for everyone, even when she was battling so much in her own life. She was the inspiration of the first ever Toy Show Appeal that year and since then the Appeal has raised an incredible €17.5m for charities all across Ireland.

We were inspired so much by her story, that we at Variety Ireland wanted to help other children just like Saoírse. We believe that with the right tools, children who may have also experienced a life changing illness or have a disability, should also get to enjoy childhood experiences just like everyone else – even cycling.

When we spoke to Saoírse for the first time, we told her of how we wanted to do something to help other children enjoy the freedom of movement and that’s how the idea of our Recycle Mobility Programme was born. In the summer of 2021, Saoírse became Variety Ireland’s first ever Child Ambassador. A few weeks later she helped us launch our Recycle Mobility Programme with Minister Anne Rabbitte. Since then, this project has helped fund hundreds of adaptive mobility trikes and transporters for children, schools and cycling clubs throughout Ireland. This equipment has had such a positive impact on both the physical and mental wellbeing of its’ users, as well as offering a sense of inclusion and independence to children.

Saoírse’s legacy and impact has changed countless lives of children and families throughout Ireland. We may only have known you for a short time Saoírse, but it was a privilege being part of your story. On behalf of all the children and families you have helped – thank you.