Louth Colour Run for courageous Clíodhna

The community of Blackrock is coming together in an inspiring show of support for six-year-old Clíodhna Diamond, a First Class student at St. Francis NS, Blackrock, who has faced an incredibly challenging journey over the past year.

In May 2024, Clíodhna was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare form of childhood cancer. This diagnosis led to nine months of intensive treatment, including major surgery.

Thanks to the care of her local GP, Dr. Eoin McDermott, oncologist Dr. Cormac Owens, and orthopaedic oncology surgeon Mr. Alan Molloy at CHI Crumlin, Clíodhna is now in remission and bravely relearning how to walk.

Her parents, Ciara and Chris, express immense gratitude to the Oncology Team and the compassionate staff of St. John’s Ward, CHI Crumlin for their expertise and empathy as they guided Clíodhna through what has been a very traumatic year for her.

A Colour Fun Run and Family Day will take place at DkIT in Dundalk on Sunday, May 4th to raise awareness and funds for St John’s Ward, CHI Crumlin, that has played a crucial role in brave Clíodhna's recovery.

Throughout Clíodhna’s gruelling treatments, extended hospital stays and long separations from friends and her school community, the unwavering support and child-centred approach of the medical team made a significant difference.

Despite the hardships, Clíodhna often remarked that she “felt loved” in St. John’s Ward, a testament to the care and kindness she received.

In recognition of this incredible support, the Diamond family is eager to give back by raising awareness and funds for St. John’s Ward.

Their efforts have been warmly embraced by the St. Francis National School Parents Association, led by Chairperson Elise Kierans, who proposed a community-driven fundraiser—the 2km Colour Fun Run & Family Fun Day.

Scheduled for Sunday, May 4th, 2025, at DkIT, Dundalk, this event aims to rally the local community and raise funds for the oncology unit that has played a crucial role in Clíodhna's recovery.

All funds raised through the Colour Run will go directly to St. John’s Ward, CHI Crumlin, where expert staff will decide how best to use those funds to the benefit of the ward and of the children who attend it.

The Parents Association is actively seeking sponsorships and community involvement to make this event a success.
Local businesses can support the fundraiser through monetary donations, in-kind contributions, or promotional sponsorships.

Clíodhna's proud parents told how she is a courageous, resilient and determined young girl and her strong spirit has got her through a very tough time and will continue to help her as she negotiates her journey of recovery.

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They said the constant support and prayers of her friends, her neighbours, and of her school community, have provided comfort and strength to them.

Clíodhna and her family are very thankful to the Parents Association of St. Francis NS for organising the Colour Run May 4th 2025 and to all who support it.

Those wishing to participate in the Colour Run can find more details and purchase tickets via Eventbrite or the fundraising website.

For more details or to support the fundraiser, contact the St. Francis NS Parents Association at pastfrancisnsblackrock@gmail.com.