Fundraiser for Derry baby ahead of major surgery in London

The population of Derry has opened their hearts as they have been fundraising for a baby Derry girl who is to soon undergo major surgery in London.

The seven-month-old Peggy Mae Sweeney, born at 31 weeks, has a rare diagnosis of cloacal malformation and stage 5 kidney failure on both kidneys.

Peggy’s mother, Orlaith, explained how her daughter’s lifelong condition means she will need ‘multiple surgeries’ in London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital as she was ‘born with no front or back passages of her body’.

Orlaith said: “We’re taking each day as a blessing with her and soaking up the cuddles she’s able to have at the minute with us. The teams in Altnagelvin, the Royal, and Great Ormond Street have been absolutely amazing with Peggy and us as a family since Peggy has been born, and I can’t thank them enough for that.”

Peggy is currently in the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast, waiting until she goes to London for surgery, but is experiencing multiple infections, which are ‘damaging her body more’.

It is hoped the surgeries in London will be successful, but Orlaith said they ‘won’t know until they try with her’.

A Go Fund Me has been set up by Orlaith to help the family with the costs of accommodation, food, and travel, which have already been ‘financially draining’.

Orlaith said: “The reason for needing to do this fundraising is the cost alone of going back and forth to different hospitals, and also hotel stays are financially draining. So, I've set up a Go Fund Me page for anyone who can help in any way to allow us as a family to be there for Peggy as and when needed.”

Orlaith has thanked everyone who has called or texted during this tough time for the family.

The target at time of writing is £15,000, and you can donate at https://www.gofundme.com/f/peggy-sweeney