Over €20,000 raised by GoFundMe for 12-year-old boy diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

A GoFundMe page which was set up to support Elliot McLoughlin who has been diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma has received a huge outpouring of support since it was set up just four days ago.

The fundraiser has raised over €21,000 to date, with just €3,000 as its original target.

Elliot, who is just 12 years old, was diagnosed with Stage 3 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in December 2024. Elliot has been receiving intensive treatment in Crumlin Hospital and Cork University Hospital since his diagnosis.

The diagnosis came as a huge shock to the McLaughlin family, as Elliot’s father Conor is still recovering from a major stroke he suffered in 2019.

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Elliot’s mother Franziska was unable to work afterwards as she cares for her husband and son, as well as their three other children.

Nina Rath, who set up the family’s fundraiser, said: “The financial burden of Elliot’s illness is enormous, with increased costs for hospital travel, medication, car maintenance and other essential care costs not fully covered by the public health system.”

One of the family’s main goals is to help Conor start driving again, something he has been unable to do since his stroke. Nina’s GoFundMe page says: “This would be life-changing, providing them with the independence they desperately need to manage hospital visits, school runs and daily life while Elliott is receiving treatment.

“To do this, the family needs to cover the costs of insurance, motor tax, and any necessary vehicle modifications. This is their top priority, as it will greatly improve their ability to support Elliott and maintain some semblance of normalcy.”

People have been asked to lend their support to the family during this extremely difficult time: "Any contribution, no matter how small, will make a difference in ensuring Elliott gets the care he needs without putting any further strain on the family."

The family have said that any excess money raised by the GoFundMe will be donated to Childhood Cancer Ireland, Cork University Hospital and Children's Health Ireland to support other families facing similar challenges.

With the fundraiser receiving such widespread support, the family have expressed their sincere gratitude to everyone who has helped.