BARRETSTOWN CALLS ON THE NATION TO HELP ‘SPRINKLE SOME MAGIC’ THIS FESTIVE SEASON AND HELP CHILDREN WITH CANCER AND OTHER SERIOUS ILLNESSES
- Ireland’s leading provider of psychosocial care for children affected by cancer and other serious illnesses calls on the nation to donate and support its efforts to deliver services to children in need
- An estimated 18% of children in Ireland aged 2-17 have a long-standing illness or health problem * with on average 6 children being diagnosed with cancer every week**
- With just 4% of funding coming from Government, and remainder through donations, the Christmas appeal showcases impact of its services on children and families who share heartfelt personal stories
Thursday, 20th November: Barretstown, Ireland’s leading provider of psychosocial care for children impacted by cancer and other serious illnesses today launched its annual Christmas appeal urging the nation to help “Sprinkle Some Magic” and put a smile on the faces of children and families battling serious illness. As part of the launch, the charity highlights that an estimated 18% of children in Ireland aged 2 to 17 years have a long-standing illness or health problem with on average six children being diagnosed with cancer every week.
Barretstown is calling on the public to dig deep this festive season and donate with all funds going towards delivery of its therapeutic recreation programmes which help children and young adults restore emotionally, socially and physically after experiencing cancer or another serious illness. To date, the charity has supported over 120,000 children and families through its free-of charge therapeutic recreation camps and programmes.
Barretstown supporters, former Miss Ireland and fashion model Sarah Morrissey and TV presenter Karen Koster joined campers Fióna O’Reilly (2), Meath, Katie Mooney (10), Dublin and Jonathan Lennon (12), Louth for this year’s launch appeal. Two-year old Fióna was diagnosed with a rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare soft tissue cancer at just 14 months old while Katie was diagnosed with cancer aged six with the detection of a Wilms tumour, in her kidney. Jonathan was diagnosed with large-cell anaplastic lymphoma, a type of blood cancer at the age of six. All three children and their families are sharing their personal stories of Barretstown and its impact on each of them.
Commenting at the launch, Sarah Morrissey said,
“As we prepare for the festive season, it’s an opportune time to take a moment and to think about how we can give back and help support. Barretstown is an organisation that is very close to my heart, and it is making a tremendous impact in the lives of so many children across Ireland. It’s an honour to join with Jonathan, Katie and Fióna, and hear about how they have overcome serious illnesses, and how Barretstown has played a part in this journey. By donating to Barretstown, you are helping children like Jonathan, Katie and Fióna.”
Supporter and TV Presenter Karen Koster added, “For a child or young adult to experience a serious illness, it has such an impact, completely altering the usual patterns of everyday life from school to family and home life. For children who can come to Barretstown, it’s a truly restorative experience helping them rebuild in so many ways. It’s incredible to see the progress of Fióna, Katie and Jonathan, and by them sharing their personal stories truly understand the life-changing impact of Barretstown.”
Dee Ahearn, CEO, Barretstown said, “At Barretstown our mission is to help children, young adults and families, restore their lives after the life-altering impact of cancer or another serious illness. As the leading provider in Ireland of psychosocial care for children and young adults through our therapeutic programmes, we know first-hand the impact these programmes have. The delivery of these programmes, which are considered to be a vital component of the Irish health system, are made possible through the extremely generous donations of the public. When you donate to Barretstown, you are making a difference in the lives of thousands of children and families, like Jonathan, Katie and Fióna. Your donation makes an impact, and that is what it is about, helping to make a positive difference. In the run-up to this Christmas season, on behalf of Barretstown, let’s bring a smile back to the faces of seriously ill children and Sprinkle Some Magic.
To donate to Barretstown this Christmas go to barretstown.org, in addition this December the charity will also team up with Flahavan’s to produce ‘Magical Reindeer Food’ which will be available to purchase for just €2 in Applegreen and Dealz stores nationwide, with 100% of the proceeds of each packet going directly to the charity.