The annual Abseil Challenge is Jack and Jill’s number #1 team building event! Each year organisations, teams and individuals send us their bravest community heroes to take the leap for Jack and Jill and raise vital funds for families all across Ireland.
Date: June 19th, 2025
Location: Croke Park
Complete the form below to let us know if you or your organisation are interested in participating in our annual Abseil Challenge on June 19th, 2025 in Croke Park.
I hope even more people will get involved in this initiative in years to come as it not only raises funds and awareness for the Foundation, but also provides unique entertainment. I can surely mark it off my wish list!
The staff on the day were absolutely fantastic—so welcoming, friendly, and professional. While it was definitely nerve-racking at first, their encouragement and calm reassurance made all the difference.
The sense of achievement after completing the abseil was just incredible—we’re still buzzing from it!
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped make the day so special.”
Jack and Jill have been a lifeline for my family, especially for my son Jack and me. When Jack was just five months old, I had no idea that he had a rare, lifelong genetic condition that would drastically change our lives. At the time, I was overwhelmed with endless hospital appointments and trying to stay afloat in an ocean of uncertainty.
Jack and Jill have been a lifeline for my family, especially for my son Jack and me. When Jack was just five months old, I had no idea that he had a rare, lifelong genetic condition that would drastically change our lives. At the time, I was overwhelmed with endless hospital appointments and trying to stay afloat in an ocean of uncertainty. It was during this incredibly challenging period that Saundra Nolan reached out to me and introduced me to Jack and Jill. She shared how they could help and connected me with our first nurse. I was in disbelief at the idea that I could step outside, take a walk, and have some time to breathe. Those early years with Jack were by far the toughest of my life, and I honestly can’t imagine how I would have managed without the support of Jack and Jill. I will always be eternally grateful for the comfort and peace of mind they provided when I needed it most.
Abseiling for Jack and Jill in 2023 was my way of saying “thank you” in the smallest way possible for all that they had done for me and my family. The team at Jack and Jill gave me the invaluable gift of time, allowing me to recharge and step away from the 24/7 responsibilities that came with caring for Jack, especially during his first few years. I wanted to give back, not just through fundraising but by raising awareness of the incredible work that Jack and Jill do for families like mine. Every step I took during the abseil was a small token of gratitude for the support that kept me going.
After completing the abseil for three consecutive years, I think it’s time for me to retire my rope and harness! It’s been an unforgettable experience, but I’ll leave the abseiling to others from now on.
The first time I completed the abseil, I felt like my whole body was made of jelly! It was absolutely terrifying letting go at the top, but as soon as I started descending, the fear was replaced by awe. The views and the entire experience were so exhilarating that it quickly became one of the most memorable things I’ve ever done. It was a challenge, but so worth it.
Fun Personal Details:
If you haven’t registered for the event yet, I would highly recommend you do! Reach out to Michaela at [email protected] to get involved. And if the abseil isn’t quite for you, why not show your support for the 2025 Abseil Heroes today? You can make a difference by donating at Support Jack and Jill Abseil Heroes 2025 on iDonate.ie and supporting the amazing work Jack and Jill continues to do for families in need.
I decided to do the abseil for Jack and jill to give back a bit. As Jack and jill have been an amazing support since our little girl Maisie was diagnosed in August 2023 with CDKL5, a rare genetic disorder that has development delay, vision impairment, severe epilepsy and other conditions.
We got discharged from Temple street on 6th of September after being in since the 3rd of July. And even leaving healthcare staff were saying we Maisie would be a long term patient. Anne from jack and jill visit us at home and give us so much advice and told us to ring or text her for any questions at all. And that she would be introducing nurses to help at home with the care of Maisie and provide relief hours for us to leave the house or have some rest. Anne and the nurses have been the best support. Our nurses came from Temple street and put themselves forward. We feel very grateful for them, in helping us finding our feet at home. Thankfully Maisie has been only admitted back in temple street once since we left with a few trips to A&E. Anne and the nurses go above and beyond their job as a charity and we are thankful for all that they continue to do.
I loves the abseil in croke park, whilst us and our families would follow the GAA hugely. Going to croke park to abseil from the roof was very different but I loved it. We met another family on the day and found lots of similarities between our kids and shared advice. Jack and jill put on a fab day for the event and there is a brilliant buzz. I would definitely do it again.
I listened to RTE on the way in and travelled in with my husband Tony and Maisie. My meal before hand wad pretty light, I think toast if I remember correctly, as I was nervous.
Abseiling in 2024 was a truly wonderful experience, and one that came about as a surprise idea for my Dad’s 60th birthday. I wanted to gift him something a little different — something memorable — and this felt like the perfect opportunity to do just that. He had absolutely no idea what I had planned (he was very surprised, to say the least! lol), but once we got into it, he had such a fantastic time. It was his first-ever visit to Croke Park too, which made it all the more special. We made memories that will last a lifetime!
The Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation has held a special place in my heart for years. It all started way back in my first job after graduating from college — I spent five years with a company that regularly organised fundraising events in support of Jack and Jill. I’ve attached a couple of photos from those days: one from a 50km cycle through Dungarvan (an incredible challenge at the time!), and another of a giant Jack and Jill-themed cupcake I made for an internal event. That was actually my first time baking such a big cake! I’d entered it into a bake-off, but on the day, instead of being a contestant, they asked me to be a judge — which was such an honour. My cake ended up selling for €150, the highest bid of the day, which helped raise a great amount for the charity.
Absolutely — yes! I think I’d love to do it again in 2026, and next time I’d try to rope in (pun intended!) some more family or maybe a few friends to join too. It was such a unique and bonding experience, and one I’ll never forget.
At the time, the adrenaline was going at 90 — it all happened so quickly! I was genuinely scared in the moments just before stepping off the platform, but once it was over, I honestly wanted to go back up and do it again. It’s funny how facing a fear like that leaves you wanting more once you’ve done it.
On the way there, I had my Bluetooth headphones on in the back, trying to stay calm by listening to a bit of Enya — hoping for some zen vibes ahead of the madness lol.
We didn’t eat much that morning — nerves definitely got the better of our appetites! But once we’d finished the abseil, we treated ourselves to a lovely meal (including two desserts!) to celebrate the fact we had done it. We felt like we’d earned it!
The most exciting part was definitely facing our fears and proving to ourselves that we could do it — all while supporting a cause that truly means the world to us. We were also really looking forward to finally meeting the amazing team we’d been chatting with in the lead-up to the event. Their encouragement and energy made such a difference.
Thank you to all who made our Thomond Park, Dalkey and Croke Park Abseils a massive success! 🧗♀️
Due to the huge demand, we experienced in 2023, we had not one, but THREE opportunities for Jack and Jill Families, Jack and Jill Supporters and our Corporates to choose from and to take on the EPIC fundraising challenge in aid of The Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation.
On May 4th we had our first Abseil of the year in Thomond Park Stadium, the home of Munster Rugby, Dalkey Quarry Croke, June 7th and Croke Park, the home of GAA on August 10th!
All locations were fantastic, also it was an amazing way for our participants to take in breath-taking views of Dublin or Limerick from the rooftops of two landmark stadiums and one of the most amazing Quarry’s to help raise vital funds for our Jack and Jill Families across Ireland.
Massive thank you to everyone participated and supported Thomond Park, Dalkey and Croke Park Abseils a massive success! 🧗♀️
If you are looking to take on challenge in 2025. WHY NOT Abseil for Jack and Jill. Dates and Locations will be announced late 2024 early 2025.
Read about Chloë Feighery’s story and why she is taking part in our Abseil event this year!
Email [email protected] who’ll be happy to answer any queries about the event!
T&Cs will apply while registering.
