Jack’s Story
Ten tiny little fingers that always want to play,
That never stop exploring the wonder of today.
Ten tiny little fingers that from the very start,
Will reach out for tomorrow yet always hold your heart.
In 1996, a little baby boy called Jack was born to his parents Jonathan and Mary Ann. He was a bouncy, bonny happy baby.
However, two days later, baby Jack became very ill. His parents were told that he would probably never walk, sleep, feed, see… all of the things a healthy baby can do.
His parents were very worried, but they were even sadder when they were told that the government would not pay for Jack’s nursing care if they took him home from hospital.
Jack’s Mom and Dad did not want to leave him in hospital, they wanted to bring him home to their house where he would be cosy and warm and with his family.
Even though they were worried as Jack was on lots of different medicines, they knew that Jack would be happiest at home.
Jack’s parents were very lucky. They were not on their own. Five kind ladies that lived near Jack began to take care of him in his house. They nursed him around the clock so his parents did not have to leave him in the hospital.
Sadly, Jack was not meant for this world and passed away. He only lived for 22 months; he died just before his 2nd birthday.
Jack’s parents were very sad, but they were also very grateful to the ladies who had given so much time nursing Jack.
Jack’s parents did not want any other family to go through what they did. They were determined that any family with a baby who is very ill, like Jack, would have a nurse to take care of them.
So they set up a charity called:
The Jack & Jill Foundation.
Like the nursery rhyme, where Jack and Jill climb up a hill, families of a sick child can often feel like they too are climbing up a big hill because life can be very difficult at times.
This charity makes their lives a bit easier.
Through raising money, they are able to ensure that babies like Jack will have a nurse in their home while they are sick.
The Jack & Jill Foundation raises money in lots of ways – people hold dinners, run marathons, hold golf competitions, hold cake sales and collect old mobile phones. Just 250 old mobiles will give a baby like Jack a whole month of nursing care.
250 Phones=
One of the most important lessons we will ever learn in life is learning how to help others.
The Jack & Jill Foundation has helped over 1,100 babies in the last 12 years and with everyone’s help will continue to do so for many more years to come.
Jack & Jill families all over Ireland want to say a big:
To everyone in your school, family and local community who help us out!