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Injured Ciara returns from Thailand as town raises over €80,000 for care costs

August 4th, 2017 9:23 AM

By Jackie Keogh

Cousins Mia Hegarty, Doireann Murphy, Donnacha Murphy, Henry Hegarty and Luc Murphy raised €226 in two hours for Ciara Twomey by selling their unwanted toys.

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At the last count, over €80,000 had been raised to support the healthcare costs of the Bantry student nurse, Ciara Twomey, who is now back in Ireland after sustaining a serious eye injury in a quad bike accident in Thailand.

AT the last count, over €80,000 had been raised to support the healthcare costs of the Bantry student nurse, Ciara Twomey, who is now back in Ireland after sustaining a serious eye injury in a quad bike accident in Thailand.

In addition to two online fundraising campaigns – GoFundMe and the Fund and Seek – shops and businesses throughout Bantry have set up several collection points.

There was even one group of local children who were inspired to sell their toys at the market in Bantry town centre one Friday to help Ciara come home.

Cousins Mia Hegarty, Doireann Murphy, Donnacha Murphy, Henry Hegarty and Luc Murphy were delighted when they raised €226 in two hours.

Their nan, Bernie Cronin, who was there in a supervisory capacity, said: ‘They knew about Ciara because Ciara's first cousin, Valarie, worked with my son-in-law at his Wokabout food stall.

‘They had talked about donating their pocket money, but they decided to do something more by selling all their old toys, and took the proceeds to the collection point at Coen's pharmacy.

‘They were happy with themselves,' said Bernie Cronin, ‘especially when they got the news that Ciara had arrived back in Ireland, and was in Cork University Hospital. They enjoyed being part of the fundraising campaign and to have made a contribution,' said their proud nan.

Local business woman, Jessie Hurley, who helped spearhead the fundraising campaign, confirmed to The Southern Star: ‘Ciara is back at home in Bantry after being looked after very well at CUH.

Jessie confirmed that after some exploratory surgery Ciara was allowed go back home to rest and recouperate at her home on Glengarriff Road, but may have to undergo further surgery in about one month's time.

Jessie thanked the people of Bantry, and the greater West Cork, area who made this happen. The funding has so far paid for Ciara's return, accompanied by a specialist paramedic team.

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