Profound sadness as seven-year-old Danny passes away at home surrounded by his family

Danny Norris, the seven year old boy who captured the hearts of communities throughout south Tipperary and west Waterford and all over the country during his battle with cancer, has passed away.

He passed away peacefully on Friday morning at his home in Glasha, located between Ballymacarbry and Clonmel, surrounded by his loved ones.

His passing has caused profound sadness in the Ballymacarbry and Newcastle communities as the thoughts and prayers of those communities go out to his heartbroken parents Lisa and Lar and his two brothers Charlie and Shay.

Danny had returned  home from Crumlin last Friday for care in  his own home after his parents won a battle with the HSE to secure palliative care for Danny in his own home.

The family were refused such home care for Danny in early November and it was their wish that he came home to be surrounded by his loving family in his last days.

Before his passing Lisa and Lar bravely spoke out about the need for the paediatric palliative care service, which was removed  in 2017,  to be restored  for families that needed it. The Norris family said they did not want any other family to have to go through the trauma of having to battle for such care.   

Family calls for paediatric palliative care service to be restored for all that need it

Norris family secure home care for Danny after battle with HSE

A statement was released this morning by Fr Michael Toomey.

"It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that we in the parish learned today of the death of our little Blue Hero, Danny Norris. Danny died peacefully at home this morning, surrounded by his beloved parents, Lisa and Lar, his big brothers, Charlie, and Shay, his grandparents, family and friends, and of course, his beloved, Panda.

Our thoughts and prayers are with his parents, brothers and family at this very sad and difficult time. Our prayers are also with Danny‘s friends in Ballymacarbry National School, his teachers, and so many people whose lives have been touched by this remarkable seven-year-old," said the parish priest.

Following the passing of Danny  Michael J Ryan, Principal of Ballymacarbry National School where Danny was a pupil issued the following  statement. 

"We learned this morning of the news that Danny Norris, one of our current pupils has sadly died. This is a terrible loss for his family, our school and our local community. 

Our sympathy and thoughts are with Danny's family. His Mum Lisa, Dad Lar and brothers Charlie and Shay and extended family and friends. 

Danny was a pupil in Rang 1 and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. 

Danny was a bubbly, kind hearted boy who loved school and socialising. 

He will be always remembered for his sense of fun, his love of pandas, turtles and his many friends. 

We have been in contact with his Danny's parents and assured them of our on-going support to them over the coming days and weeks. 

Psychologists from the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) and our chaplain Fr Michael Toomey have been with us today, advising teachers in their efforts to comfort our students at this difficult time. 

As a mark of respect to Danny and in remembrance of him, our school will open tomorrow between 2and 4 pm for people to gather and share their stories and memories of Danny in the school he loved.

I measc na naingeal is na naomh go raibh Danny."