How do you wrap your head around the news that this beautiful, warm, bright woman is gone and the fact that her four children are without their mother? I can’t. I can only send them and her family, friends warmth and love.
The team working on RTÉ’s Hourglass series met Alli last summer and I think we would all agree that we were the better for the experience of working with her. I came up with the idea of Hourglass in order to meet and learn from people like Alli and to help share their stories.
When we were coming up with our panel for the 'Struggle to Juggle' event last July we jumped at the chance to have her on board. On paper, Alli was a perfect fit as she really was juggling it all, with a smile continuously on her face. And in person, she was even more amazing - warm, open, honest...one of those instantly likable people.
Thankfully the mum-of-four, model and ambassador for Autism Ireland was delighted to join us. She was the same in person as she was during the interview – warm, honest and always full of love for her children. It's heartbreaking to listen back to her now...
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Fellow Hourglass panelist Suzanne Leyden of the WellNow Co has also shared a tribute to Alli which you can read below:
"I'm still so shocked by the news about Alli. She was so engaging and engaged. She had so much to deal with in her life but seemed so strong and on top of things.
"After the Hourglass event, myself and Jessie [fellow WellNow Co. founder] had a drink with her, her sister and her mum. They're such lovely, real people. Alli was so generous, offering herself to us if we ever needed a photo or help on social media.
"I'm still stunned and heartbroken for her poor kids who were clearly her world. I hope she has found peace."
May she rest in peace - ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis.
