Picture via Facebook
Alanna Russell, the little girl who became the youngest competitor in the Dublin City Marathon when her dad pushed her along in her wheelchair in October, died this morning, according to BreakingNews.ie.
Her passing came as a shock, and her family and friends are devastated at losing Alanna. She just turned eight this month.
Alanna, from Navan, Co. Meath, was born with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy, leaving her unable to speak or use her arms or legs. She also suffered from epilepsy and impaired vision.
The eight-year-old and her twin sister Isabelle were born nine weeks premature, but tragically only Alanna survived. She was a mere 3lbs 14oz when she came into the world.
The courageous little girl never let her condition keep her down.
She and her 34-year-old father Keith raised almost €64,000 through their running to replace the 12-year-old minibus used by the Meadows Respite Centre in Navan, which she attended. The Centre, though run by the HSE, relies on fundraising to keep the house and transport up-to-date.
Her father spoke in the past to the Irish Independent about seeing Alanna struggle with her disability, saying, "You go through every emotion, but you just have to be strong to be there for her every step of the way."
Keith was, literally, with her every step of the way as he started slow, pushing Alanna for 5K races before he was prepared to take on the marathon's 26.2-mile course with his daughter ahead of him.
The proud pair just picked up their framed marathon medals on December 9.
Their incredible bond touched many hearts, and people continue to admire Alanna's bravery.
Our deepest sympathies to Alanna's family and friends for their tragic loss.
