Matthew Breen passed away in the care of Crumlin Children’s Hospital, Dublin, on Monday, November 17, with his devastated family by his side.
A GoFundMe has been established by Lauren Frampton, the sister-in-law of Matthew’s mother Ciara, in an effort to support his heartbroken family, who are originally from of Inbhear Mór Park, Arklow, before moving to Rathnew in recent years.
On Thursday, November 6, Matthew broke his arm in two places and was transferred to hospital by ambulance. He was sent home that same day and arrangements were made for him to attend Crumlin Hospital on Friday, November 7, for surgery.
In her GoFundMe Lauren explained: “While in hospital Matthew became unwell and was given tablets and steroids, but was vomiting all day. He was given a second dose of steroids because he was still vomiting and the first dose didn’t work. He was having trouble breathing but they told Ciara to walk him around the hospital and give Matthew water, and if he keeps it down, they were going to discharge him and make an appointment for him to attend Tallaght hospital to see a lung doctor on Tuesday.”
Matthew was discharged from the hospital but by the evening of Monday, November 10, his condition had rapidly deteriorated and he was having difficulty in catching his breath. Unfortunately, Matthew stopped breathing and local first responders quickly came to his aid. He was rushed to Crumlin Hospital, where he was placed in an induced coma on life support. Matthew sadly passed away on Monday, November 17, with his family at his bedside.
“Matthew was the most loving little boy and he was only 8. He is missed and loved by so many people. Matthew has two brothers and two sisters and Matthew was the eldest. This GoFundMe is to help Matthews family against the financial stress. He was the most heart warming boy and will be missed and was loved by all who knew him! As a community we’ve all pulled together and anything as little as anything would really help this family through this difficult time,” added Lauren.
Hours after being established, the GoFundMe had already raised €5,817 of its target of €6,500.
Matthew was the son of Ciara, Callum and Eden, loving brother of Tyler, Olivia, Amelia and Oliver, and the adored grandson of Anne (née Murphy) and the late William (Billy) Breen.
Matthew’s remains will be reposing at his nanny Anne’s home in Mary B Mitchell Close, Inbhear Mór Park, Arklow on Thursday from 3pm to 7pm. His removal takes place on Friday morning at 9.30am to St. Joseph’s Church, Templerainey, Arklow arriving for funeral mass at 10am.
Matthew will be laid to rest with his grandad Billy in St. Gabriel’s Cemetery, Arklow, walking from Lamberton.
Anyone wishing to make a donation can do so by clicking here