An astonishing €285,000 has been raised in memory Billy and Lanlih Holland's late daughter Emmeline.
Munster rugby star Billy and his wife had viewers in tears on the Late Late Show last night when they opened up about the tragic passing of their brave daughter, who died last May from a heart defect aged just six months.
In memory of their little girl, the couple set up a fundraiser for Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital in Crumlin, the children's wards at Cork University Hospital and Ronald McDonald House, which has now raised almost €300,000.
Speaking on the show, Billy and Lanlih told of their heartbreak as they recalled the last moments they had with Emmeline.
Billy said: "We got to Crumlin and she had minor heart surgery, it was a massive thing for Emmeline, was she strong enough to go through surgery? And she did, she had it, she got through it, the biggest hurdle she had to get over.
"It was an incredible feeling for us as we were incredibly nervous going into that moment - she was five months old at the time.
"About a week later we were due to go home, we had our bags packed and the night before she took a turn. She went into ICU from there and 10 days later she died in Lanlih's arms.
"It was the rawest emotion imaginable, it's impossible to put into words."
Lanlih added: "We fought so hard and she fought so hard. The medical staff in Crumlin fought so hard, we really did. We were devastated, they were devastated, they were crying with us. It was so cruel.
"Then we brought her home and had to face into what no-one should have to face which is picking out her coffin.
"Honestly my body still physically longs for her, to kiss her to cuddle her."
Staff from Crumlin attended the funeral with the family, while Billy described the hospital as "such a special place".
You too can donate to this cause right here - thousands of people have already donated this morning with over €285,000 raised so far.
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