About

On 20th November myself and Dave are climbing the Galtee Mountains in remembrance of the 90 children, including our beautiful son Zak, who Bumbleance helped during their illness and sadly have since passed away. Bumbleance is a charity that was there for Zak at some of his most difficult times and it made such a difference to his life. We would really appreciate if you could donate to our fundraiser for Bumbleance, a charity that is so close to our hearts.

Here is Zak's story.

In May 2021 Zak’s life changed dramatically when he was diagnosed with a tumour on his brain stem. He underwent extensive surgery and spent 3 weeks recovering in the ICU. Although Zak’s medical team were confident that his tumour was benign, when they operated they discovered that this wasn’t the case. Zak’s mother shares, “We learned the devastating news that Zak had a Grade 4 highly aggressive malignant tumour called Glioblastoma Multiforme that could be treated but could not be cured.  Unfortunately, only 2/3 of the tumour could be removed and Zak was left with right sided hemiplegia as a result of the surgery and never regained his mobility.In January 2022, Zak had a follow up scan which revealed that his cancer had spread and that he had multiple new tumours on his spine and brain.  He underwent full brain and spinal radiotherapy in St. Lukes Hospital but unfortunately he never fully recovered from his treatment and the cancer spread even further.  Sadly Zak passed away on the 2nd May 2022 after a hard battle with cancer. We are so grateful for BUMBLEance and their incredible team for providing such an amazing service to so many children around the country with life-limiting illnesses.  We will be forever grateful to them for the difference they made to Zak's life.”  

“In July 2021 Zak started chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment. For 6 weeks BUMBLEance transferred Zak to and from his radiotherapy treatment. Each morning at 9 am the BUMBLEance team would collect Zak from his room in St. Gabriel's Ward in Temple St and bring him to St. Luke's Hospital. They put him totally at ease with their jokes and genuine kindness and they always made him feel comfortable, safe and happy in their care. The BUMBLEance, with its child friendly decorated interior, sensory lights, games console and DVD were a great distraction and provided a relaxed and fun environment for Zak to travel to and from treatment. When Zak was discharged from Temple St after a 4 month stay, BUMBLEance brought him home and continued to support Zak and his family by transferring him to and from hospital appointments whenever they were needed.” 

“In January 2022, Zak had a follow up scan which revealed that his cancer had spread and that he had multiple new tumours on his spine and brain.  He underwent full brain and spinal radiotherapy in St. Lukes Hospital but unfortunately he never fully recovered from his treatment and the cancer spread even further.  Sadly Zak passed away on the 2nd May 2022 after a hard battle with cancer.”

“Before Zak got sick he had so many interests in life - playing football and hurling, listening to music, learning to play guitar, building lego, playing Minecraft and Fortnight and watching Star Wars movies.  He was a kind hearted boy with a gentle soul and a glint in his eye that told you he was always up for a bit of craic. He was quietly confident with his laid back attitude and despite the many difficult challenges he experienced as a result of his illness, he retained his great sense of humour and displayed a mental strength and resilience that was sometimes beyond contemplation.” 

“We are so grateful for BUMBLEance and their incredible team for providing such an amazing service to so many children around the country with life-limiting illnesses.  We will be forever grateful to them for the difference they made to Zak's life.”