Bubbly character Fiona lived for her son, he was her number one

A FUNDRAISER has been set up for the teenage son of a young mother who passed away last Valentine’s Day, February 14, after having a recurrence of breast cancer.

Fiona Fennell, who was originally from Aylesbury in Tallaght and lived in Ballycullen, passed away at age 46, with her devoted 17-year-old son, Kyle, by her side.

The young mother was diagnosed with breast cancer a decade ago, at which point she reconnected with an old school friend, Teresa Costello, who was also receiving treatment for the same disease.

The two women forged a strong bond and supported each other during their treatment in St James’s Hospital and during their recovery from breast cancer.

However, in late December, Fiona began to feel unwell during a shift as a waitress at the Tree Top Restaurant in Quinlan’s, Clondalkin, and went into hospital on St Stephen’s Day.

“She was working on Christmas Eve, and she felt unwell, then she went to the hospital on St Stephen’s Day and never came back out,” Teresa, who is a Fianna Fáil councillor, told The Echo.

“She had a recurrence of breast cancer and within six weeks, she had passed away. She passed away on Valentine’s Day.

“It was so sad. It was so quick, and nobody got time to process what was happening.”

Fiona is remembered by Teresa as a bubbly character, who was a talented singer and dancer, and a devoted mother.

“Fiona had been a singer and dancer, and she ran entertainment in a hotel in Spain, but came back to Ireland after having her child,” said Teresa.

“She was really bubbly and vibrant, and always had a smile on her face. She lived for her son – he was her number one, and there was only the two of them.

“He was her priority, and he’s a really good lad, and it just feels like Fiona’s family has been robbed.”

Kyle is currently preparing for his Leaving Cert this summer in Firhouse Community College, and Fiona’s cousin, Daniel Dorney, has set up a GoFundMe to support Kyle following the loss of his mam.

“It’s a tragedy for all of her family,” added Teresa.

“She was a very hard-working mother who put everything into her son.

“By donating to the GoFundMe, you’ll help him with his education, because Fiona’s not around to help him with that anymore, and it might make it easier for him to adjust to life without her.

“I’d say he’s just so lost without her. She has a great family, but no one can replace her – Kyle’s life has totally changed.

“We’ve all been robbed of somebody brilliant, who lived life to the fullest and packed so much in.

“And she was a very content person. Once she knew her son was content, then she was content.”

Donations are now being accepted on the GoFundMe page, titled ‘Please Help Kyle’, HERE.