Parents pay tribute to 'superhero' Sophie

Little Sophie Mulcahy passed away aged eight years of age

By Nick Bramhill

A DEVASTATED Limerick father has paid a heartfelt tribute to his brave eight-year-old daughter who lost her battle with a rare genetic disorder.

Sophie Mulcahy, whose courage inspired her dad to set up a charity for seriously-ill children, had overcome all the medical odds since she was born.

But in recent weeks the youngster faced a huge fight after doctors discovered a tumour indenting on her stomach.

In a heart-wrenching post on Facebook, Sophie's distraught parents, Liam and Stacey, wrote of their daughter's passing.

"It's with incredible sadness our brave little superhero has left for heaven. Our hearts are breaking and words don't come to mind. Rest well my sweet little angel."

"To say I'm smashed and devastated beyond reason is an understatement," Liam (34) later wrote.

"Our sweet princess has left for heaven. How one small footprint can impact so many is incredible. On behalf of us all we want to thank everyone who has joined our journey. To the staff of all the care organisations we have graced over our short time.

"With all our heart thank you for the care and welcome you have given our family. We'll miss you Sophie so very much xxxx sleep well princess."

Sophie was just one of 40 people worldwide to suffer from a rare condition called 1q43 Deletion, a genetic disorder which had left her unable to walk, talk or feed herself. She under went six surgeries in the first years of her life.

hnews@herald.ie