I am elated after this evening's pub quiz run by my fantastic friend Moira Kennedy!!! I always knew Moira was an extraordinary woman but tonight I was in awe of her and several times during evening felt the tears rising when I thought about the pure love and friendship that she shares with us and for dear Leo.

I was nervous because all these people were coming to support us and Leo, many of whom I didn’t even know and I was apprehensive because I had no idea how I was going to express my thanks to them and I wanted to let them know how hugely appreciative Stuart and I both were that they even came, let alone enter into the spirit of the evening with such fun and enthusiasm!!! Not to mention the generosity of their pockets…

Moira’s brother Eamon was absolute magic with his wit and banter keeping everyone motivated and entertained!!! It was SO hot in the Russell Court that we were all nearly expiring but Eamon was amazing!!! In the ‘back office’ there was Moira's handsome husband Niall and her lovely mum Nuala and Moira's friend Grainne who was, as usual, incredibly capable and organized. I cannot tell you how grateful we are to everyone!

I was especially moved to see three mums that I met at the Neo Natal Unit at the Coombe Hospital when the triplets were born. We were all there with premature babies and took such comfort in each other. As any mum who has had a premature baby (or three) will know, you do not understand how hard it is unless you have lived through it. The Neo Natal Unit memories are not pleasant ones for me, not being able to hold my babies, not being able to cuddle and nurture them, watching them being tube fed and being told what to do and when to do it by nurses, who, through the best of intentions, control your every move. Not to mention the ‘boob room' as us mums called it! We all expressed milk with these very unattractive machines in a room together with quiet solidarity and some fun as we nicknamed ourselves Daisy the Cows!!! Thank you girls for coming. It was wonderful to see you and to hear how well all our ‘babies’ were doing despite their traumatic start in life!

I must say, the questions were HARD or maybe I'm just a bit dozy, but I was thrilled to answer ONE classical music question and nearly jumped out my seat with excitement because I knew the answer!! I was on a team of four with Stuart and my neighbour and friend Gill and her boyfriend Terry! I was definitely the weak link!!!! Stuart always amazes me with his knowledge of the most absurd things!!! He is a mine of information, as he says, mostly useless, but it definitely came in handy at the quiz!

Just over €2000 raised and a further €600 for the mini marathon and we are on our way!

Although this journey is hard, it brings out the best in so many people…Tonight I saw true goodness in everyone, all united in helping our boy. It was a very happy and heartwarming evening, Even though we are afraid for what Leo will face, I do know one thing. With all his friends and the love that I saw tonight, we will get through this and gain so much along the journey. Imagine when he grows up and we tell him about what people did for him, he will definitely ‘feel the love’!

THANK YOU MOIRA! I LOVE YOU SISTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!