Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
The decision to donate Shania’s organs was difficult but so rewarding
Sister tells of pain at losing 11-yr-old
Kids need to know that it is OK to show emotions SISTER DANIELLE CO TYRONE YESTERDAY
SHANIA Mcashee was only 11 when she died but the schoolgirl has made a lasting impression, including saving the lives of four people through the donation of her organs.
The Year 8 Drumragh Integrated College pupil died in tragic circumstances on January 5 at Royal Belfast Children’s Hospital with sister Danielle and mum Bronagh at her side, having spent a number of days on life support.
Danielle is now on a mission to ensure her sister’s death is not in vain, and so the family are fundraising for a children’s mental health charity, so other families don’t have to go through what they have.
Speaking to the Mirror, mum-of-three Danielle said: “Shania was a bubbly character, full of love and care for those around he, she loved singing and dancing, which is evident on her Tiktok account. She also adored her niece Olivia and her two nephews Cormac and Cahir.
“I was very lucky to have had Shania and my mum Bronagh for Christmas Day and New Year, the memories made those days will last a lifetime.
“Shania enjoyed board games, movies and stuffing our faces with goodies. She was my baby sister and I will treasure every photo, video and memory we shared over the past 11 years.”
Whilst in hospital, Danielle, 30, said the family made the “difficult but rewarding” decision to donate Shania’s organs.
The schoolgirl lived with her mum in the village of Killyclogher, near Omagh , Co Tyrone, and Danielle said she too left her mark on the small, close-knit community. She added: “Mum and
Shania were like two peas in a pod, mum will be lost without her.
“Shania was the heart and soul of Richmond Park, she loved to visit her elderly neighbours and their grandkids, they all have fond memories of our Shania.
“Within the Killyclogher community was a veterinary centre and Shania loved animals, especially rabbits, cats and dogs, so she offered up her services in hope she would get them all home with her.”
Amidst their grief, the Mcashee family have organised a fundraiser for charity Youngminds to mark what would have been Shania’s 12th Birthday on May 9.
Danielle said: “Myself, family and close friends are taking part in the Stairway To Heaven walk. We are raising money for Youngminds, this charity is one that is
close to my mum and I as we want to raise awareness for other young children so that they know that help is available if they feel like they need to talk to someone.
“Kids need to know that it is OK to show emotions and that it’s nothing to be ashamed of. We don’t want another family to go through what we did.”
Having set up the fundraising page on January 20, Danielle said she couldn’t believe it when within a few short hours they had reached their goal of £1,500.
The page will remain open until the fundraiser in May and the Mcashee family have urged people to share and donate if they can.
You can find the fundraising page on Facebook by searching “Danielle’s fundraiser for Youngminds”.