Ryan Tubridy pays tribute to Toy Show star Saoírse Ruane after her cancer returns

The 10-year-old won hearts across the country when she appeared on the RTE Christmas special in 2020 and opened up about having her leg amputated after being diagnosed with a rare tumour.

Her special appearance inspired the programme to start the Late Late Toy Show appeal which has raised €12 million for children and families in need over the last two years.

Toy Show host Ryan Tubridy also paid tribute to the young Galway girl, sharing: “My Toy Show friend Saoírse Ruane got some bad news recently and her family are hoping we might all send her love and strength she needs to 'figure out the roadmap' as her mum said today.”

"Saoírse is extraordinary and she's the reason we started the Toy Show Appeal,” he continued.

"I hope she knows how much we cherish her. Love to her and all the Ruane's tonight and to any family facing a struggle."

Taking to Instagram, her mother Roseanna shared the heartbreaking news.

“Last Wednesday 27th April 2022 we ended up back where it all started on December 1st 2019, in UHG. The very same cubicle, on the very same paediatric ward and after yet another day of tests, we (Saoírse’s parents) are sitting once again in front of a paediatric consultant being told the words we NEVER EVER wanted to hear AGAIN!”

“We just don’t have the words for you all, we are simply heartbroken!”

“We knew this day COULD come but we did our utmost to park it in the back of our minds as much as possible, be positive, be grateful and get on with our lives,” she continued.

“I feel physically sick writing this and can’t emphasise enough to you all (our amazing friends, followers and supporters) life is SO SO unbelievably precious!”

“We would ask for all your prayers at this time while we along with our amazing oncologist and team figure out the road map to this next journey.”

“Saoírse (being Saoírse) is being incredibly brave and we as a family ask that you give us time now to comprehend this devastating news.”

“Ollie, Roseanna, Farrah Rose and our gorgeous brave Saoírse Ruane.”

Wishing her well, famous faces flocked to the comments section to send their love.

“So sorry to hear this. Sending so much love!” wrote Donal Skehan.

“This is heartbreaking news. Sending so much love and strength to Saoírse and to all her family,” added Una Healy.

“I’m so so sorry. Sending love and strength. It’s heartbreaking,” shared Anna Geary.

Meanwhile, fellow cancer patient Lynsey Bennett said: “Endless amounts of love.”

She also shared a post to her own Instagram feed that read: "All my love and prayers for the most amazing girl @saoirseandmamma."

"You are always so brave and I am forever in awe of your strength. We are all behind you."