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Public praised for supporting ailing tot

Little Jake Smith was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer at just four weeks old
Little Jake Smith was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer at just four weeks old Little Jake Smith was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer at just four weeks old

THE family of a Cavan baby boy with a rare brain cancer has paid tribute to the public for helping them raise over €100,000 for his treatment.

Jake Smith, from Lavey, was born last November and diagnosed with Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), an aggressive form of cancer, when he was just four weeks old.

The tot underwent life-saving surgery and is now in the final phase of chemotherapy, while his family hopes he may be able to receive pioneering treatment abroad in the future.

His parents Andrea and Paraic set up a fundraising page on Facebook, called 4 Lil Jake’s Sake, in May to help raise money for Jake’s treatment and care.

The border counties have supported the Smith family with enthusiasm during the summer, with collections taking place at last weekend’s Sligo Fleadh and a dancing fundraiser held in Cavan town.

Twenty five gardaí from Cavan and Monaghan got involved with the campaign in June, taking part in a 400 kilometre two-day cycle that traversed the two counties.

Jake’s aunt Martina Smith told Northern Sound radio that the generosity of people in the border county and beyond had helped raise over e100,000 so far.

Ms Smith said that while the public might not understand Jake’s condition they knew he was “a child, he needs help and they just row on board”.

“The financial aspect is one thing but the support and the effort and the best wishes from the community and from strangers as well – I can’t quantify what that means to Jake and his family,” the aunt said.