A fundraiser has been established to aid the family of an eight-year-old boy who tragically passed away following an arm injury sustained at school.
Matthew Breen, hailing from Rathnew in the Republic of Ireland, passed away at Crumlin Children’s Hospital, Dublin, on November 17. After fracturing his arm in two places at school on November 6, Matthew was rushed to the hospital via ambulance.
Initially in good health, Matthew was discharged shortly after arriving at the hospital. His mother, Ciara, scheduled him for arm surgery at Crumlin Hospital.
However, upon admission, Matthew’s condition deteriorated. He experienced persistent vomiting despite being given tablets and steroids. A second steroid dose was administered, leading to breathing difficulties.
Hospital staff advised Ciara to walk Matthew around and offer him water before eventually discharging him. By November 10, his health worsened, and he struggled to breathe.
Matthew’s condition continued to decline, eventually leading to respiratory failure. Emergency services were called to their home, and Matthew was rushed back to Crumlin Hospital, where he was placed in a medically induced coma and put on life support.
Tragically, Matthew passed away on November 17, surrounded by his family at his bedside. In response, Ciara’s sister-in-law, Lauren Frampton, initiated a GoFundMe campaign to support the grieving family. The campaign has already raised over €14,300 (£12,500) from more than 500 donors.
Heartfelt tributes poured in for Matthew, with his previous teachers and classmates expressing their sorrow and admiration for the young boy. His funeral was held at St. Joseph’s Church in Templerainey, Arklow, where he was laid to rest beside his grandfather.
Matthew, remembered as a loving and cheerful boy, has left a lasting impact on his community and school.