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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
National
Cathal Ryan

Grieving mother sells toy that 'brought such joy' to her late son so she can pay the bills

Campaigner Tracy McGinnis, whose eldest son Brendan Bjorn passed away last year, has shared her heartbreak on Twitter after she was forced to sell one of her son’s beloved toy giraffe to make money to pay bills.

Brendan Bjorn, who passed away in May last year, was diagnosed with congenital cytomegalovirus which caused brain damage. He had many health issues including cerebral palsy, intractable epilepsy, scoliosis with a spinal fusion, osteoporosis and hip dysplasia.

Brendan was cared for by his mother Tracy McGinnis for 17 years before he passed away. To do so, Tracy left her job as a family therapist, becoming her son's full-time carer.

Read More: 'He was a force of nature' - RTE First Dates star remembered at funeral

Tracy also ran a blog for seven years titled Transitioning Angels, on which she documented her journey caring for her son.

Now almost one year after her son passed away, in a heartbreaking post on Twitter, Tracy has explained having to sell a toy giraffe belonging to Brendan in order to make money for bills.

Tracey wrote: “Another item sold to go toward bills. €40. I gave the giraffe to Brendan Bjørn on his 12th bday. For five 1/2 years, it brought him such joy.

“I'm a sobbing mess now. It's going to a good home - a young couple expecting their 1st baby. May it bring the little one just as much joy.”

Responding to Tracy, one Twitter said: “Oh, Tracy, my heart hurts for you. We know that those items won't bring them back, but it sure hurts terribly. Hugs to you today.”

Another added: “I have a lump in my throat reading this on many different levels.

Hugs… May you find some comfort, rest & healing today x.”

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