The little sister of a young boy who died three years ago has written to Santa in a heartbreaking note, asking to have her adored 'best friend' brother home for Christmas
The tear-jerking note by nine-year old Naoise McNally was found on the doorstep of her house in Dundalk, Co Louth by her dad Paul during the week.
The note simply says: "Dear Santa. All I want is my wish to have Daragh home for Christmas."
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Daragh, who had autism, passed away after a short battle with cancer in 2019 at the age of 11
One of the last things he said to Naoise before he fell asleep forever was that she was his best friend.
Now his mum Colleen is appealing to people to remember what is important at this time of year and cherish your loved ones around you.
"Naoise and Daragh had such a special relationship," she said.
Daragh had autism and Naoise understood his needs so much from a young age. He sensed this and both of them formed this very unique and special bond.
"One of the last things he said to her was: 'You are my best friend' and she remembers this so vividly.
"Three years on and it's still so evident how much Naoise misses her big brother. Last Monday, Paul found this note to Santa on our doorstep. It broke our hearts as it is a wish we all want so much.
"No matter how much time goes by, the pain in our hearts is still the same. The three children, Nathan, Naoise and Layla, always talk about their brother and cry for him. They love seeing a robin or a star or a rainbow or a feather.
"Daragh was such a huge part of our family and because of his autism, our family life revolved around his needs.
"We yearn for him every day. You can never stop loving your child, so why should we stop grieving ours? We thank God everyday for Naoise and for Nathan and Layla and we see so much of Daragh in them
"At Christmas please remember that it's presence and not presents that is important. Your children will not remember the best toys they get, they will remember the cosiness of the fire, the walks wrapped up warmly with family, the Christmas songs and movies and all the love
"I'd give anything to have Daragh back. He loved Christmas but wasn't too phased by the presents. As long as he got a Peppa Pig book, he was happy.
"So please, enjoy and don't stress and think of us and everyone going through another Christmas without their child."
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