Michael and Di Kavanagh have shared the heartbreaking story of losing their 2-year-old daughter, Eleanor, in January to viral pneumonia.
On Sunday 26th January, Eleanor (photographed) and her big sister Fiona went to bed like any other night. Michael and Di played, read stories, tucked them in and sang a lullaby. They both went to sleep happy and loved. The following morning, Monday 27th January, Di went into the girls’ room to discover the unthinkable had happened. Eleanor had passed away in her sleep.
Having had no signs of a worrying illness, and the brightest, happiest, healthiest little girl, they had absolutely no warning there was anything to be concerned about. The postmortem would come back some 12 weeks later showing she had viral pneumonia.
What followed was the most brutal period of their lives imaginable. In Eleanor’s eulogy, Michael pledged to her that he would one day be reunited with her and bring her tales of a life well lived. As a start to fulfilling that life, Di and Michael have set a challenge each.
First out the blocks is Di, who will leave London on Wednesday 10th September on her bike with the aim of pedalling herself all the way to Paris – a total of 330 miles over 4 days.
Michael will leave their home on Saturday 25th October, and within 24 hours will run (and walk) to Eleanor’s grave 80 miles away in Shropshire. Three marathons, back-to-back.
They are raising funds for a number of charities. In addition to supporting FCN, they are also supporting 2Wish, The Parochial Church Council of The Parish of Boningale, Child Bereavement UK and the Midlands Air Ambulance.
We are incredibly grateful to Michael, Di and the community supporting their fundraising for sharing their story with FCN and supporting the work of our charity.
You can access their GiveWheel page with more information and details on how to donate here: https://www.givewheel.com/fundraising/9936/the-eleanor-challenge/