A Bessbrook woman’s dream of opening a new sensory room – in memory of her son two-and-a-half-year old son Harvey – has been realised.
Located within the Daisy Children and Young People’s Unit at Daisy Hill Hospital, ‘Harvey’s Haven’ will be a lasting memorial to Clare McCabe’s son, who passed away in January 2015.
Clare, partner Cathal, along with family and friends, worked tirelessly to raise £23,000 and create the beautiful room, complete with the latest in sound and light interactive equipment.
Paying tribute to Clare and family, Dr Ahmed Khan, Associate Medical Director for Children and Young People’s Services for the Southern Trust said: “We sincerely thank the McCabe family who have gone to so much effort to help other families following their own tragic loss.
“Being in hospital is particularly difficult for children and young people and indeed stressful for the whole family.
“Harvey’s Haven is a place where families can now find some peace and tranquillity and which offers children some distraction during their time in hospital.”
Speaking at the opening of Harvey’s Haven – to mark Harvey’s fourth anniversary this month – Clare said: “We are beyond grateful to all the sponsors and people who have kindly dedicated their personal fundraising challenges to our ThumbsUpForHarvey campaign.
“Special recognition must go to the local communities of Bessbrook, Camlough and surrounding areas who donated generously throughout all of our fundraising events and always offered a helping hand when needed.
“Through Harvey’s Haven, Harvey’s memory will always be kept alive.”
Picture inset: Clare McCabe and family members Frank McCabe, Nora Gregory, Cathal Quinn and baby Caidan have donated an amazing £23,000 to develop a new sensory room ‘Harvey’s’ Haven’ within the Daisy Children and Young People’s Unit at Daisy Hill Hospital. Pictured with Dr Ahmed Khan, Associate Medical Director for Children and Young People’s Services at the Southern Trust, Sr Michelle McLogan, Deputy Sister Orla Heaney, Staff Nurse Jamie Loughran and Health Care Assistant Michelle ONeill.
