“We got married on the 13th of November last year in Tankardstown House, Co. Meath,” says Aislinn. “We had our wedding day, and it was lovely. Tom looked so handsome, and it was such a great day. There was no sadness at all that day, because he was doing well again at that point.”
“We got married on the 13th of November 2024 in Tankardstown House, Co. Meath. We had our wedding day, and it was lovely. Tom looked so handsome, and it was such a great day. There was no sadness at all that day, because he was doing well again at that point.
As Tom’s health continued to decline, Aislinn took time off from her job as a primary school teacher to become his carer. Shortly before he passed away in a hospice, Tom got five nights of care from the Irish Cancer Society’s Night Nursing service. This gave Aislinn and her family, who the couple were living with, a chance to sleep and gave them comfort.
“It meant that I was able to get a couple of hours’ sleep, and I can’t imagine how any of us would’ve gotten through those nights without the Night Nurses. They’re literal angels. They’re such special people to do what they do.
“On the fifth night, the night before Tom went to the hospice and passed away, the Night Nurse that came to us was incredible. I had call Tom’s family in Mayo and Lucan to be near.
“When I’m with Tom’s family in Mayo, I feel him there, and when they’re with me, they feel Tom is near too. In everything, his message was always to focus on life and to appreciate that life is a blessing.”
Aislinn adds: “I would just like to share that Tom’s cancer journey is only one aspect of a very full, albeit shortened, life. He filled life with friends, family, a job he loved, GAA, music, running, countless cups of tea and so much more.”
”As a teacher, I now feel very strongly in sharing the importance of sun safety in a child appropriate way. I think parents should teach their children to use sunscreen from a young age.
“I also believe free sunscreen should be provided in public places. It would be such a positive step towards skin health. It’s especially important when you consider that the most common cancer in Ireland is skin cancer.
“The benefits of free sunscreen being provided will be reaped, as hopefully it will mean that fewer people will have to go through surgery or treatment for skin cancer, and I’m sure lives will be saved.”
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