A JUNIOR CERT student in Tralee who is taking his exams in his home because of his cancer has raised thousands of euro which he hopes will help provide a den in Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin, Dublin.
Donal Walsh of Blennerville, a student at CBS The Green, has to sit his exams at home to prevent the risk of infection as he recovers.
Diagnosed with bone cancer aged 12, the Kerry teenager recovered after having a knee replacement. However, the cancer appeared in February in his lower lung. The keen athlete – he is 6ft 2in – attended St John’s Ward in Crumlin hospital for treatment. His favourite sport is rugby but because of the prosthetic knee he can no longer play. He is also a keen swimmer and cyclist.
Donal and his friends decided to raise money for a teenage hang-out, or den, his father, Fionnbar Walsh, said. “They have raised almost €10,500,” Mr Walsh, a hotel manager, said.
Donal’s sister Jema is doing the Leaving Cert, so the whole house, under the direction of mother Elma, is focused on exams.
Donal told yesterday’s Kerryman: “I am very pleased with how the exams have gone.” He and his friends at the Green were helped in their fundraising efforts by Sizzle and Stomp dance school in Tralee and Tralee Rugby Club.