The figure is increasing by the hour.

A fund set up by Munster rugby player Billy Holland and his wife Lanlih Keane in memory of their beloved daughter Emmeline has raised almost half a million euro for children’s hospitals in Ireland.

The couple, who shared their heartbreaking story on The Late Late Show on Friday night, say they have been ‘blown away’ by the support, with more than 5,000 people making generous donations throughout the weekend.

Born in November 2018, Emmeline was diagnosed with a heart defect and later transferred to Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital in Crumlin when other health issues started to emerge. When she was just three weeks old, her parents were given the devastating news that she would live a short life.

They asked to bring Emmeline to Cork to live out her remaining days at home.

‘Phenomenal generosity’

Speaking to Ryan Tubridy on The Late Late Show, the couple paid tribute to the doctors, nurses, hospital staff and medical professionals who cared for their daughter and announced details of their #BravelikeEmmeline campaign to raise €100,000 to help children’s hospitals support the families of very sick children.

Within hours, the target had been met and surpassed and donations have continued to flood in since.

“The people of this country have shown phenomenal generosity and we cannot thank you enough,” said Holland.

“This money will much such a difference and we are so proud that it is all because of our brave Emmeline.”

The proceeds will be shared between Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin, Cork University Hospital (Children’s wards) and Ronald McDonald House.

If you would like to donate you can visit the GoFundMe page here.