Co Antrim mum who is living with terminal cancer planning final Christmas with daughters

Ciara Haggan told of how she aims to spend her last few weeks “making memories” with her two daughters, Reagan (20) and nine-year-old Aria.

The community in Ciara’s hometown of Larne have to date raised over £10,000 for the 38-year-old, who was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016.

Their generosity has helped Ciara plan for days out and events with family and friends, including the festive celebrations this weekend.

“On Saturday we’ve got someone coming to do the girls’ hair and all of our makeup. My niece and nephews will all be coming over, and Santa will be coming in the afternoon,” said Ciara, from the Seacourt area of the town.

“The tree and decorations are up, Marty McToal will be coming to do our Christmas dinner and my old colleagues from the Highways Hotel will be doing silver service.”

Between continuing rounds of chemotherapy, Ciara has made it her mission to spend as much time with loved ones as possible, while still planning ahead for her children.

“It will be Aria’s birthday in a few weeks and I’m going to get her a wee black Lab puppy - I can’t think of a better way to spend the money than that,” she said.

Funds have also been set aside for Ciara’s daughters to go on a holiday with relatives next year.

“It’s been very much a rollercoaster for them and every day is very different,” Ciara added.

“My eldest girl is going in to her third year studying Law at Queen’s and she’s taken time away from that to look after me.

“It’s a lot for them to deal with.”

For Ciara herself, faith has been an important part of coming to terms with her illness. “I went on a trip to Knock [recently] and I really found what I was looking for there; I found peace,” she said.

For now, the local mum is “taking it one day at a time”.

“I don’t believe in saving for a rainy day; I believe in making every day that ‘rainy day’ and just enjoying life,” she added.

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