Fundraiser for Portlaoise boy (13) on life support after e-bike crash

A FUNDRAISER for a Portlaoise boy who remains on life support in hospital, one month after an e-bike crash, has raised over €2,000 in the first two days.

Thomas Crean Keogh (13) has had three major operations to his head and one to his abdomen since the tragic accident on 20 June.

His devastated parents, Leanne Keogh and Nigel Crean, have maintained a vigil ever since at Temple Street Children’s Hospital, Dublin, as the teenager undergoes ongoing intensive treatment.

Thomas was a passenger on an electric bike, driven by his 19-year-old cousin, when it went over a speed bump and crashed at about 11pm on the Summerhill roundabout, on the town’s Stradbally Road.

The pair had just visited the grave of Thomas’s beloved aunt Sharon Crean, who was fatally stabbed at her apartment in Mountmellick in December 2022 and is buried at SS Peter and Paul’s Cemetery, Portlaoise.

The online fundraiser for Thomas’s heartbroken family was set up on 15 July by his aunt, Orla Keogh, who said the young family are facing enormous emotional and financial challenges and all their lives have changed forever.

In the online Go Fund Me appeal, Orla said: ‘Thomas is an outgoing little boy who loves to sing, dance and mess about, just like every other 13-year-old kid, but unfortunately he can no longer do any of the things he loved to do. Some days are good and some days are extremely bad.’ 

Orla said that Thomas’s parents have not left his side and are paying €140 per week to stay at the hospital. They also have three little boys at home that have to be looked after, as well as grocery, household and utility bills.

She said: ‘He has been in hospital for weeks now without talking or walking or even getting to say hello to anyone. He is going to have a really long road to recovery and will be kept in hospital for at least three to six months. I’m sure most of you know the cost of living nowadays, it’s crazy.'

Orla added: ‘At times like this, we all need each other and a helping hand. I know if this was anyone else is this situation, my sister would be the first to help anyone out as much as she possibly could. I’m really hoping we can all come together and help them out at this really hard time.’

Donations can be made on the online Go Fund Me titled ‘Help towards Thomas and his family’.