"In the short time Cormac Lee was with us, all he knew was pure love"...

A Trim mother is fundraising during Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness month this October for The National Maternity Hospital's Walk to Remember - 100,000 Steps, in memory of her little boy, Cormac Lee, who tragically passed away this year at just two weeks old.

Shauna Buckland, originally from Tallaght, was first referred to The National Maternity Hospital, Holles Street, when she was pregnant with her second baby Cormac Lee, as doctors and nurses noticed that little Cormac would have Hydronephrosis.

In April of this year, Shauna lost her eldest sister Lisa quite suddenly and two days beforehand, Shauna and her partner Aaron Murphy, originally from Coolock, lost their friend, Cormac, who was to be their son's godfather. The family were in a state of shock from the sudden losses, and with a new baby on the way, it was especially traumatic.

Shauna and Aaron decided to call their new baby boy Cormac Lee in honour of both Shauna's sister, Lisa, and their good friend, Cormac. Baby Cormac Lee was born on 5th July 2026 to Shauna, Aaron and big brother, three year-old Riley.

The loss of little Cormac Lee just two weeks later absolutely devastated Shauna, Aaron and big brother, Riley. Shauna said: "When Riley asks about Cormac, which he does all the time, we tell him he is safe and happy with Auntie Lisa and Uncle Cormac. Riley asks for his brother every day and we keep a photo beside Riley's bed of him that Riley gives a kiss to before bed. All baby Cormac knew in his short life was pure love.

"Not only is the fundraiser a great cause, but it is also a healthy outlet and focus for me during this difficult time. I am trying to turn my own experience into awareness and something that can help others. So many people and families have lost their babies. That's why I decided to join this year's 100,000 Steps Walk to Remember. Also, the nurses, midwives and doctors at the hospitals were just incredible. The pregnancy itself was really stressful with the loss of my sister and the loss of our friend, so they really put me at ease. I want to give back to them. This cause raises much needed funds for the NMH Foundation."

"Despite it all, we still have a little three year old boy and he is a great focus, too, but we are trying to look after ourselves and take all the help that is available."

"Aaron and I have had a fantastic group of people around us. Our friends have been fantastic. Aaron is the founder of Meath Bike Meets and one of the founding members of Tarbh Motorcycle Club, and everyone from that has been amazing. They are always checking in with us and being there for us in these really hard times. My friend Aoife McGovern has also been such a big support to me. She was there with me that day and has been here the entire time."

"I'm so grateful for every bit of support and every cent that has been donated. I'm so overwhelmed by all of the support and kindness from everyone. You could pass five people in the street and two or three of them could have lost a child. It's so common and not spoken about enough. I want to raise awareness for that in memory of baby Cormac Lee."

The fundraiser is taking place over the entire month of October and if you would like to donate, you can do so by clicking here.

For more information, please click here.