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Team Jack and Jill celebrating over 3000 families supported since 1997

Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation Marks Significant Milestone

By Adam Brennan | Latest News, Press Release | Comments are Closed | 19 March, 2024 | 2

3,000 Families Supported by Vital In-Home Nursing and Respite Service since 1997

This week, the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation marks a significant milestone, as the Irish charity announces it has supported 3,000 families since it was set up by its pioneering founders, Jonathan Irwin and Mary Ann O’Brien, 27 years ago.

Having experienced the challenges of caring for their son Jack at home with the help of local nurses until he passed away at home in Kildare at the age of 22 months; Jack’s home nursing care plan became the blueprint for 3,000 children who have been supported by Jack and Jill since then, as Mary Ann and Jonathan vowed that no parents should have to walk this difficult care journey alone. They set about establishing a practical home nursing care model and raising funds to deliver it.

The magnitude of this landmark moment is amplified by the recent loss of Jonathan in December 2023, as the charity vows to carry on Jonathan’s legacy and to continue supporting families with vital in-home nursing and respite care.

Jack and Jill CEO Deirdre Walsh

Deirdre Walsh, CEO of Jack and Jill said:

“We have very mixed emotions about celebrating this moment. While it’s an indicator of Jonthan’s remarkable legacy and impact; we are also reflecting on the fact that these 3,000 unique and beautiful children and their families have needed the support of our service. For so many, Jack and Jill has been, and is still, a lifeline and we are proud to have played any part in supporting families on their terms, with no means test, no waiting list and no red tape.

““It will take approximately €7.5M to fund and provide our vital in-home nursing care service and end-of-life support in 2024, with an estimated €1.7M of our funding coming from the HSE. That’s approximately 22%. So, I’m calling on the public to please help us keep supporting local Jack and Jill families in their communities. Whether it’s holding a bake sale, doing a sea swim, taking on our abseil challenge, shopping in one of our charity boutiques or making a corporate donation; all support is hugely welcome!”

 

Mary Ann O’Brien, who co-founded Jack and Jill with her husband Jonathan Irwin in their son Jack’s name, commented:

“This is such a bittersweet moment. Jonathan would have revelled in this milestone and in the impact of Jack’s legacy in helping so many families. But I have no doubt that he would have also availed of the opportunity to call on corporates and anyone who wants to make a meaningful contribution to support Jack and Jill. I’m proud to carry on the mantle and to keep supporting these wonderful families, because I know too well, the difference it can make.”

Jonathan Irwin and Mary Ann O'Brien
Irish Times Article for Jack and Jill

For more information about Jack and Jill, and to find out more about how we support families all across Ireland, please visit www.jackandjill.ie

To make a donation, please visit www.jackandjill.ie/donate

For corporate partnerships, please visit www.jackandjill.ie/partnerships

3000 families, Latest News

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Recent Posts

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  • Home
  • Our Services
    • Family
      • What We Do
      • Model of Care
      • Family Enquiry Form
      • Sibling Support
      • Entitlements & Support
      • Family Resource Centre
        • Frequently Asked Questions
        • Useful Information
        • Words and Meanings
        • Children’s Palliative Care
        • Service User Privacy Notice
    • Professionals
      • What We Do
      • Model of Care
      • Criteria for Referral
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      • Send a Referral
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        • Golf for Jack and Jill
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        • View All Events
        • Raise the Par with Cathal Golf Event
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        • Apache Pizza Party Fundraiser
        • Teds Big Day Out
        • #UpTheHill2025
        • Cycle the Ring of Kerry
        • Jack and Jill Marathon Heroes Hub
    • Corporate Partnerships
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      • How You Can Help
      • 100 Hour Heroes
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    • Advocacy
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