EARLIER this week, the parents of four-year-old Sebastian McLoughlin from Ballina, Co. Tipperary appealed for help in recreating Christmas for their little boy this Saturday as he has just weeks to leave.
The appeal, broadcast on the Ray D’Arcy Show on RTÉ Radio 1 on Monday, received a phenomenal response from people all over the country who wanted to help make Sebastian’s wish come true.
A number of helicopters and Garda cars were offered to transport Santa on the day, as well as numerous bouncy castles and Minion costumes and a Minion cake, as Sebastian’s favourite movie is Despicable Me.
Other members of the public have offered to donate an inflatable Santa’s grotto and a sleigh, with one little boy even offering to donate his communion money.
Speaking on the Ray D’Arcy show on Tuesday, Sebastian’s uncle Dan thanked all those who responded to the appeal.
“Saturday is going to be a very special day, a family day. It has to be just for family unfortunately. Sebastian is a very sick little boy; we just want to give him the best day we can.
“I mean, we’ve had offers of a parade, but much as we’d love to have a huge, huge street party, Sebastian just won’t be able for much more,” he told presented Ray D’Arcy
While the family have received offers of cash donations, they say that was not the object of the appeal and they have asked people to instead make a donation to a children’s charity in Sebastian’s name if they so wish.
A social media campaign asking members of the public to send Sebastian a Christmas card was also launched on Tuesday.
Cards can be sent to: Sebastian’s Christmas, c/o Killaloe Post Office, Killaloe, Co. Clare.
In addition, friends of the McLoughlin family in Ballina-Killaloe are asking individuals and businesses in the area to put up their artificial trees, decorations and lights this weekend to help recreate the Christmas season for Sebastian.
