A fundraiser has been launched for a three-year-old Laois boy and his family after he was diagnosed with cancer.
The young man in question is Leon Westman and he ‘has a smile that lights up a room the minute he walks in’.
Leon lives in Mountmellick, with his mammy Shauna and daddy Noel, and his big sister Jodie.
Noel and Shauna both live and work locally. Shauna is also actively involved volunteering her artistic skills with Mountmellick Community Arts Centre, and the Christmas Tree Committee.
In August 2025, Leon and his family received heartbreaking news that he was diagnosed with cancer.
He is now under the incredible care of Crumlin Children’s Hospital, facing a long and difficult journey ahead.
This fight will take a huge emotional and physical toll on Leon, his family, and everyone who loves him.
On top of that, the financial strain of travel, overnight stays, and lost income will soon add up. Leon’s family will focus all of their time and effort into supporting Leon through this.
But this is where the people who have come together to set up this fundraiser – the group behind Team Leon.
These include Darren Strong, Olivia Payne, Dillon Payne, Martina Dunne, Sarah Dooley, Angel Tormey, Lisa Tormey and Richie Westman.
They said: “Our goal is to support Shauna, Noel, Jodie, and Leon in every way possible, so they can focus fully on Leon’s care – not bills.
“Mountmellick has continually shown just why it is known as the “Small Town with the Big Heart”, and already the love shown to the Westman and Blake families has been incredible.
“It’s this kindness and compassion that Mountmellick is known for, that makes even the hard days that little bit easier.
“Our small town has already seen far too many young people battle cancer, and now it’s our Leon.
“His parents are focusing all their energy on helping him through treatment, and we want to surround them with as much love and support as possible.
“Every donation, no matter how small, makes a difference. Sharing this page is also a huge help if you can’t donate.
“Anybody willing to get involved please contact Darren Strong or any of the organizers listed below directly, and they will put you in touch with our volunteer group.
“As the African proverb reminds us: ‘It takes a village to raise a child.’ But it takes a community to save one.
“Over the coming weeks, you’ll see the Team Leon logo across Mountmellick, Laois, and beyond.
“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for standing with Leon and his family on this journey.
“At the family’s request, we kindly ask that no photos of Leon are used in fundraisers – instead, please use our logo to show your support for our little superhero.”
Speaking to LaoisToday, Darren Strong confirmed that the committee would be setting up a number of fundraisers over the coming weeks.
Events such as a cycleton and an auction are in advanced stages of planning.
Darren said: “The 24-hour cycleton will take place at SuperValu in Mountmellick where Noel works on September 27.
“We will have an auction in Mountmellick some time later. Finline Furniture have already donated items for that while signed rugby jerseys have also been secured.
“If anyone has any items that they would like to donate, please let me know.”
Anyone who wishes to donate can do so by clicking here or below:
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