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06 Sept 2025

Huge support for Ballyroan family whose son is critically ill in the UK

Twelve week old James Moran has had two emergency liver transplant operations

Huge support for Ballyroan family whose son is critically ill in the UK

James and his parents.

Reporter:

Express reporter

26 Feb 2024 5:53 PM

Email:

news@leinsterexpress.ie

Over €30,000 has been raised in a matter of days for a Ballyroan family whose three month old son is critically ill in hospital in the UK. 
John and Michelle Moran have been living a nightmare as their son James continues to fight for his life having undergone two liver transplants. 
The first emergency surgery took place when he was just seven days old. By the time he was 12 days old, James had been in five different hospitals, Portlaoise, The Coombe, Crumlin, Birmingham Children’s Hospital and finally King’s College Hospital in London where he still remains. 
John's sister Sarah set up a GoFund me page to help support the couple through their difficult journey. The fund has raised over €30,000 in a matter of days. 
"Every day is filled with uncertainty," said Sarah. 
"They tell us that James will spend the next number of months in London, and we don’t know right now what life will look like after that. John and Michelle have been told that this liver will only last James approximately one or two years at which stage he will require another liver transplant. Michelle is a blood match with James and has already spoken with the surgeons. When the time comes, she will donate 20% of her liver to James which will involve more surgery for them both with huge risks involved.
"For the past three months Michelle and John have been forced to stay in London away from their home, their family and support network. They have two other boys at home in Ireland who are 12 years and 16 months old. Every day they are not able to be with them is another reminder of the difficult situation that they and their three boys are continually faced with. Christmas looked very different this year sitting with James at his hospital bedside missing their boys and families at home. No parent should ever have to be faced with this heartbreak.
"Due to the need for John and Michelle to be in the UK with James their income has reduced significantly and their expenses have increased. 
"As a family we ask for your help in supporting John and Michelle as they continue this journey with James. The future for James right now is very uncertain but we do know he will need a lot of support. John, Michelle and baby James have a long road ahead."
"Your donation will be greatly appreciated and if you are not in a position to donate we ask that you keep James in your prayers."

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