Saoírse Ruane, who influenced Toy Show Appeal, dies aged 12

Saoírse Ruane, the girl from Co. Galway who inspired the annual Late Late Toy Show appeal, died at just 12 years old following a long, courageous battle with cancer.

Today, President Higgins paid tribute to Saoírse, admiring her courage in the face of a years-long cancer battle and her vibrance in spite of it all.

President Higgins has sent his deepest condolences to the family of Saoírse Ruane from Kiltullagh, Co. Galway, following her passing at the age of 12. Saoírse's strength and warmth was an inspiration to all pic.twitter.com/aMyLZyqN8g

— President of Ireland (@PresidentIRL) March 7, 2024

On X, President Higgins also shared photographs of his meeting with Saoírse and her family, to whom he sent his deepest condolences.

Saoírse won over the hearts of many when she appeared on the 2020 Toy Show to talk of her experience with the disease. Her story was among those on the programme when the first Toy Show Appeal was launched.

Over €6 million was donated in a matter of hours and since then more than €17.5 million has been raised by the annual appeal.

Saoírse's candidness and bravery was commiserated far and wide as she spoke about her fight against a rare form of cancer, an osteosarcoma tumour on her fibula. She was diagnosed in 2019 - a year before her television appearance - at just seven years old.

Despite intense rounds of chemotherapy and the amputation of her right leg, Saoírse never lost her spirited determination through it all.

Last March, she assumed the role of Grand Marshal for the St Patrick's Day parade in Galway, leading hundreds of people through the city streets.

Late last year, her family took to social media, revealing that Saoírse was undergoing more treatment and asked to keep her and the family in their prayers.

This week, the family shared a post on Instagram, announcing that their "beautiful little Saoírse" had passed away following a "long courageous and dignified battle," after which they thanked followers for their prayers, thoughts and well wishes.

Other tributes included Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin and former Late Late host Ryan Tubridy, who eulogised Saoírse on his Virgin UK radio show.

Martin expressed his sadness following "the heartbreaking passing" of Saoírse, saying that she "leaves behind an extraordinary legacy in the Toy Show Appeal."

Very saddened by the heartbreaking passing of Saoírse Ruane

Fond memories of meeting Saoírse & her mother Roseanna in Croke Park, seeing her radiant smile & love of GAA

She leaves behind an extraordinary legacy in the Toy Show Appeal

Deepest sympathies to her family & friends

— Micheál Martin (@MichealMartinTD) March 7, 2024

Ryan Tubridy recalled meeting the Saoírse at her family home in Galway, where they jumped on the trampoline and had tea and cake in the kitchen. He also mentioned her accomplishments, noting how thousands of children across Ireland have a better life because of her appeal on the Toy Show in 2020.

"We love you, we will miss you, rest in peace you beautiful, beautiful soul," Turbridy concluded.