“She is bubbly, loving, caring and most of all an unbelievably strong, independent girl.”
A family from West Belfast have issued an appeal for help to raise £140,000 to get “life saving” cancer treatment for their little girl.
Four-year-old Bláthnaid Ní Mhaoilmheanna was diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumour on May 9, 2025, after being unwell and having several hospital visits. Within three days, the youngster had emergency surgery to remove the tumour.
But within three weeks, the family got results confirming the worst as the tumour had regrown. Little Bláthnaid has a high-grade glioblastoma wildtype, the most difficult to treat and aggressive form of brain cancer.
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The new tumour was quickly removed along with some healthy brain tissue to allow space in case of rapid regrowth, allowing her to undergo six weeks of intense radiotherapy.
The family have said there are a number of additional treatments not available on the NHS that could improve Bláthnaid’s outcomes, and they are seeking additional expert intervention in Germany, with immunotherapy treatment here costing £140,000.
Posting on JustGiving, Bláthnaid’s aunt, Caitlín Ní Chathail, said they have received amazing support from their community and treatment in Germany “could be our last chance.”
Caitlín said: “Bláthnaid is our daughter, sister, niece, granddaughter, cousin, friend, classmate and team-mate. She is bubbly, loving, caring and most of all an unbelievably strong, independent girl.
“Bláthnaid is a proud member of the Irish language community and has recently started Rang 1 at Bunscoil an tSléibhe Dhuibh, a day she was excited about but one we didn’t think would happen. Like every child, she deserves to reach each school year and to be back playing football with all her friends at Laochra Loch Lao, living life to the fullest like she always has.”
The four-year-old’s surgery took place two days after her parents got married, with the event brought forward to make sure Bláthnaid could share the special moment with the family.
Caitlín added: “Before Bláthnaid commenced her radiotherapy and chemotherapy, we were asked if we wanted to proceed with the treatment, due to how ill she had become. Against all odds she completed 6 weeks of intense radiotherapy, rushing us out the door every morning to get it over with so she could enjoy the remainder of her day. She continues to fight each day.
“We are incredibly grateful to her team and our wonderful NHS for getting her this far. However, there are a number of additional treatments and breakthroughs not currently available on the NHS that could improve Bláthnaid’s outcomes.
“With the support of her team in the Children’s Hospital, we have decided to seek additional expert intervention in Germany. Whilst we have been able to meet the initial costs, this isn’t something we can sustain alone.”
In just a few hours, at the time of publication, the fundraising page for Bláthnaid has raised over £72,000 of the £140,000 needed. Caitlín said: “Our amazing community has rallied around us with offers of support for Bláthnaid.
“From the beginning we have told you all once we see a viable option we will let you know how you can help. We have now been informed that the cost of the immunotherapy treatment in Germany will be £140,000.
“We need your support to make this happen, to give our beautiful girl the best possible chance to help fight this life limiting disease. Germany could be our last chance.
“There are success stories in the fight against Glioblastoma and we won’t give up hope. We have seen miracles save extremely sick children. We hope that Bláthnaid can be one of them.
“Bláthnaid represents the best of us and her personality is best summed up by asking her favourite colour – ‘all the colours in the rainbow’.”
To donate to the fundraiser for Bláthnaid, click here.
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