Jack and his mum, Ruth. Picture: Ciara Wilkinson

She said the response has been “Unbelievable. I never imagined this response. I’m actually very emotional this last few days to see everyone come together at such difficult times.”

“I set out to do this thinking that my Facebook family would send cards to make Jack’s birthday special (and) not expecting it to go viral.”

Ruth had the support of the charity Little Blue Heroes and Jack is an honorary Garda. “Ever since he was made an honorary Garda in January 2018 up in Gardai Headquarters, he has the full uniform and goes on duty in Letterkenny Garda Station from time to time,” she said.

“All I can say is this is a birthday Jack will never forget. I had one wish to make him happy and my wish definitely came true.”

She said “thank you” to people from all over the world for what they have done and said, “I will be forever grateful to each and every one of them.”

Jack, Ruth and his dad Kenneth live in Raphoe and the address for people who would like to send him a card for his birthday is : Jack Beattie, Castleview, Raphoe, Co Donegal, F93 XW74.

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