A Moment for Gavin Glynn

It’s often said that there’s nothing quite as heartbreaking in life as losing a child, nothing quite as difficult to overcome. You are not meant to outlive your child, it’s not the natural order of things.

Such is the current and incomprehensible experience of the Glynn family, as their 4 year old ‘superman’ lost his battle with cancer just last night. With a strong following of readers who are also parents on IMAGE.ie, we couldn’t not comment on this exceptionally saddening news. We couldn’t not stop to reflect on the fight put up not just by young Gavin himself, but the unyielding faith of his parents, who went above and beyond in their quest to save their beloved son.

Having been living with?Embroyonal Rhabdomyosarcoma, a cancer of the muscles attached to the bones since he was just 18 months old, Gavin became the Irish poster boy for hope when, earlier this year, his parents launched a campaign to raise much needed funds so that he could undergo the necessary treatment in Texas, as unfortunately there was little more that the hospitals in Ireland could do.

They raised a staggering €350,000 in under one week, reminding us not only of the power of social media in achieving something good, but the kind and ever empathetic nature of the Irish people.

Needless to say, his story struck a sensitive chord with the entire nation, his struggle at a time when life should be nothing but smiles and laughs resonating with people the length and breadth of the country.?If there’s one thing that’s for sure, it’s that Gavin was not alone.?With so many rallying behind the Glynn family in the hope that their superman would soar, it’s no wonder we find ourselves taking a moment to consider his short, sweet life today.

There’s no amount of love nor money in the world that could replace the hole now found in Gavin’s family’s hearts. We hope, however, they find some solace in the knowing that his impossible fight is now over.

Gavin’s father shared a touching tribute on their Facebook page this morning.

?Rest in peace our beautiful baby. You fought the hardest fight anyone could imagine and all the way to the end. You are and will always be our Superman.

?Gavin passed very peacefully tonight with Conor, Lucy myself and Jayne holding hands on our couch at home. Fly high buddy we all love you so much xxxx?

Fly high, fly high.

RIP Gavin Glynn, 2010 – 2014

@CarolineForan