One year ago, tragedy struck when 14-year-old Amelia Belle Ferguson collapsed during a hike on her final days at an Irish college in Connemara. Her sudden death left her family devastated and seeking answers.

Amelia's friends initially mistook her distress for laughter, not realizing her heart was failing. Unfortunately, she passed away on that hill in Connemara on June 13th, 2024.

As her family commemorates the first anniversary of her untimely death, they are calling for an independent review of the care she received from Children's Health Ireland (CHI) and the information shared with them in her final months.

Seeking Clarity and Closure

Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill has agreed to meet with Suzi Mangan, Amelia's mother, to discuss the circumstances surrounding her daughter's passing. The family believes that warning signs raised during Amelia's last appointment in May 2024 were not taken seriously, and crucial details about her health records were only disclosed posthumously.

Mangan expressed her deep regret, stating, 'I never would have sent her to the Gaeltacht if I thought that there was anything wrong.'

A Tragic Medical Journey

Amelia was born prematurely and had a pacemaker implanted as an infant due to a heart condition. Despite a seemingly successful operation, she faced a life-threatening complication during a routine procedure in 2018 when her pacemaker cord became entangled around her heart.

Her subsequent medical history revealed undisclosed anomalies and risks that her family only discovered after her passing. Concerns about her declining health in the months leading up to her death were allegedly dismissed by medical professionals.

Unanswered Questions and Heartbreak

Despite the family's persistent inquiries and requests for information, they have faced delays and obstacles in obtaining a comprehensive understanding of Amelia's medical care. The timing of notifications and administrative processes have added to their anguish.

CHI expressed deep regret over the handling of the situation and pledged to work with the family to address their concerns. However, Mangan remains troubled by what she perceives as dismissive attitudes and lack of transparency from the hospital.

A Mother's Grief and Resilience

Amidst her grief, Mangan finds solace in memories of her daughter and the hope of finding closure through understanding the events leading to Amelia's tragic passing. Her unwavering quest for answers reflects a mother's love and determination to honor her daughter's memory.

As the family navigates the complexities of loss and seeking accountability, they remain committed to ensuring that Amelia's story is heard and that lessons are learned to prevent similar tragedies in the future.