The family of the 5-year-old girl who was injured in the Parnell Square stabbing attack in November have shared an update about her recovery.
Sharing an update on Tuesday to the GoFundMe page set up for the child, they said there had been “great milestones” for their “little big warrior” who has started on feeds and is enjoying Irish lessons with the Hospital School.
In a message shared with the public, the family wrote:
“Great milestones for our little big warrior – she has started on feeds now (not orally yet) and moving her arms a good bit. She is enjoying her Irish lessons with the Hospital School. And loves watching Paddington 1 and 2 for laughs. Huge achievements.”
The child, along with two other children (aged five and six) and their carer, was hospitalised following the multiple stabbing at Coláiste Mhuire, Parnell Square.
Carer Leanne Flynn, who made headlines for her “heroic” actions on the day of the attack, was discharged from hospital along with the two other children.
Earlier this month, the child’s family clarified that their little girl was still in hospital, and had no set date for her discharge – while thanking the public for the love and support shown.
They said the child was “doing well,” and despite having gone through “quite a lot,” was still smiling and being curious.
“These past weeks have shown us even more so how resilient she is, but also put our own strength into check as we have to match her determination,” they said this month.
“We have only begun the rehabilitation phase, and the questions regarding her future and ours are present. Despite all the mights and maybes, we have to believe in her, mainly because she does.”
They previously shared that amid serious stomach issues, doctors had been hoping to reintroduce food to the child’s routine. The little girl has undergone rehabilitation therapies to help reinstate her abilities, the family have said.
“She is so capable and we are praying that things improve further mid-spring,” the family said back in March.
The fundraising appeal, set up by a family friend, has so far raised close to €90,000, with people continuing to send in donations and messages of support five months into the child’s recovery.
The fundraiser was recently renamed ‘Barróg do Chailín Beag’ (A Hug for a Little Girl). Barróg is the name of the teddy who has been keeping a special school seat warm while the child remains in hospital.