Family heartbreak as brave ‘little soldier’ Rocco (2) is laid to rest

A FAMILY have been left heartbroken after their 2-year-old “little soldier” tragically passed away after a tough battle with a rare form of cancer.

Little Rocco Travers from Clondalkin was diagnosed with stage four pineoblastoma just under four months ago – a rare and aggressive type of cancer that begins in the cells of the brain’s pineal gland.

He was also diagnosed with two brain tumours and multiple spinal tumours.

Rocco went on to spend weeks in Temple Street Hospital undergoing multiple operations, before the decision was made to bring him back home to be surrounded by his loving family and friends.

Rocco sadly lost his fight with the disease on Saturday, July 24, when he passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones.

Speaking with The Echo, Rocco’s uncle Christy said: “Rocco was such a character, and he touched the hearts of everyone he met.

“He will be greatly missed by all our family.

“Our hearts are broken into pieces for our little soldier.”

Back in May, the Little Blue Heroes charity awarded Rocco with a bravery medal, which was presented to him by Garda Commissioner Drew Harris and a certificate, given to him by Deputy Commissioner Shawna Coxon.

Rocco received a bravery medal at a ceremony at Garda Headquarters in May.
(Photo – Little Blue Heroes)

An outdoor ceremony was held at Garda HQ to celebrate Rocco becoming an honorary Garda.

In a statement online, Little Blue Heroes expressed their sympathies at the passing of ‘honorary Garda’ Rocco: “Our hearts are saddened to hear the loss of one of our Little Blue Heroes, Honorary Garda Rocco Travers who is being laid to rest today.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his mother Claire, father Eddie, stepfather Joe, sisters, grandparents and extended family.”

During Rocco’s illness, friends of the family had set up a GoFundMe page to help with Rocco’s treatment called ‘Rocco’s army’ which has raised over €12,000 to date.

Rocco was laid to rest on Tuesday, July 27, at Newlands Cross Cemetery after a private Mass was held at Sruleen Parish, Clondalkin.