Campaign under way for Benjamin Murphy, who has Down syndrome and a congenital heart condition
Michelle Murphy pictured with her son Benjamin in their home in Clonard on Monday afternoon. Pic: Jim Campbell
Public transport is no place for a child like Benjamin Murphy, no place for a child who is currently under the care of eight different specialists and must regularly attend Crumlin Hospital for check-ups and scans. The three-year-old from Wexford town has Down syndrome and a congenital heart condition which saw him undergo open-heart surgery in 2021 and will see him return to Crumlin for a further operation on July 30.
When it’s available, Benjamin travels to Dublin on the Bumbleance, the children’s ambulance service set up to ensure these incredibly difficult journeys are made that bit easier. When that’s not available, the Order of Malta try and arrange transport for Benjamin and his mam, Michelle. Sometimes friends help out, sometimes lifts are arranged, but, when all else fails, Michelle must rely on the local bus service, must bring her little boy, who requires a feeding tube, onto public transport, and hope for the best.
