Celebration for Zak raises over €5,400 for cancer charity
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A family fun day in O’Mahony’s GAA club was organised to remember 11 year old Zak Moran and raise funds for Child Cancer Ireland.Image 2 of 4
Paula O’Rourke, Mary-Claire Rennick, Eunice Murtagh, Kenny O’Rourke, Jessie Foley, Pauline Foley, Bevin Moran, Catríona Moran, David Moran, Yvonne McGuinness, Amanda Betson and Noelle Quinn.Image 3 of 4
Maebh Ward, Aoife Ward and Bevin Moran.Image 4 of 4
Families enjoying day.The community of Navan came together recently to celebrate the life of eleven-year-old Zak Moran from Navan who tragically passed away following a brave battle with cancer earlier this year.
The family fun day that took place in Zak's much-loved Navan O'Mahony's GAA club on Saturday the 17th September raised an amazing €5,400 for Childhood Cancer Ireland.
Childhood Cancer Ireland is a charity founded by and led by parents of children with cancer and survivors of childhood cancer.
Zak's mum Catriona Moran said she and her family wanted to do something to support other families who have been impacted by childhood cancer. She added:
"We organised this fundraiser with Navan O'Mahony’s to help raise awareness of childhood cancer. We know how heart-breaking it is for a child and their family to hear that they have cancer. We wanted to show our support to children and their families who are currently dealing with a cancer diagnosis and also for those who, like us, are left with the devastating loss of a loved one as a result of childhood cancer."
Navan O'Mahony’s organisers were Eunice Murtagh, Noelle Quinn and Yvonne McGuinness.
Eunice said of the day:
"It was a wonderful celebration of Zak and a massive €5,421 was raised for Childhood Cancer Ireland.
"A big thank you to everyone who very generously donated and sponsored raffle prizes and to all those who baked for the sale.
"Thanking all our husbands and all the men of Navan O' Mahony's for all their help, it was fantastic day."
Zak died peacefully at home with his family by his side in May following his diagnosis with a brain tumour last year.
The youngster who bore his illness with great courage and dignity was the son of Catríona and Dave Moran and brother of Matthew, Danny and Bevin.
A huge GAA fan, he excelled in football and hurling for his club, Navan O’ Mahony’s.
Zak was diagnosed with a grade 4 highly aggressive malignant tumour last year.
He has been described as a "warrior" who faced his illness “with courage and determination beyond his 11 years".
His plight touched the hearts of many and friends and neighbours set up a Zak Rocks fund-raising group to support the Moran family with everyday expenses, treatment and travel.
Mary-Claire Rennick, Voluntary Director of Childhood Cancer Ireland and parent of a childhood cancer survivor:
"Childhood Cancer Ireland was honoured to be the charity chosen by the Moran family at the Family Fun Day to remember their precious Zak. A special thank you to them, Navan O'Mahony’s and all involved for raising awareness of childhood cancer and supporting our work and projects for children and young people with cancer and their families."
"We work hard to give voice to the experiences of all affected by childhood, adolescent and young adult cancer, ensuring that their views and experiences are embedded in policy and practice. We also honour and remember all of children and young people whose lives have been tragically lost to cancer."