The Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation is delighted to announce International rugby player Jamison Gibson-Park as a new ambassador for the charity. The Irish and Leinster scrum half made his first appearance on behalf of Jack and Jill to announce the launch of the upcoming RETRO Cannonball event, with proceeds to The Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation as official charity partner for Cannonball Ireland 2024.
“As a dad of three healthy children, I massively appreciate how lucky we are as a family and can only begin to imagine the challenges faced by Jack and Jill families day in, day out, who have children with such complex medical needs. I am thrilled to lend my support to Jack and Jill and am excited to bring my kids along to see what promises to be a fantastic spectacle at Retro Cannonball at the end of May,” said Jamison Gibson-Park.
Jack and Jill CEO Deirdre Walsh said, “We are so excited to welcome Jamison on board at Team Jack and Jill. Having witnessed his amazing skill on the pitch we know just how much the nation gets behind him and the joy this association will bring to hundreds of Jack and Jill families all over Ireland. We are also honoured that Cannonball Ireland have chosen to support Jack and Jill again in 2024!
Last year, our partnership raised an impressive €161,000, which translated into 8,944 hours of in-home nursing care and respite support for 534 families supported by Jack and Jill in 2023. We were overwhelmed by the support from families, volunteers and corporate partners, who came out along the route to help raise as much funds as possible, and to the drivers who brought so much fun factor to this exciting fundraiser.”
In keeping with all things rugby RETRO Cannonball starts at Thomond Park in Limerick this year on May 24th at 9.30am.
There will be plenty of opportunity along the way for spectators to come along and witness the great variety of classic cars taking part. The convoy will travel from Limerick along The Wild Atlantic Way through Co. Clare with its mesmerizing tapestry of rugged coastline and dramatic cliffs to arrive to for an overnight stay in the vibrant town of Westport, Co Mayo.
On May 25th the convoy makes its way across the country for lunch at Kilronan Castle, Co. Roscommon with a quick coffee stop in the renowned Drumcoura City in Cavan and then the convoy arrives into Mullingar, Co Westmeath for an exciting finish line.
Car lovers will delight in seeing some rare classic motors such as the Lamborghini Diablo, Jaguar E-Type, Ferrari 348 GTS, Mercedes-Benz SL Classics, Lancia Beta, BMW 635CSI, Porsche 911 Carrera and Targa, MG Midget, Ford Escort Cosworth, Chevrolet Corvette, VW Beetle, Ford Thunderbird, mini cooper and many more. Spectators can get up close, view the cars and take photographs at each of the start and finish lines, pitstops and lunch stops.
We are delighted to have Jamison Gibson-Park on board to support this wonderful fundraising opportunity for Jack and Jill wish him the best of luck in his upcoming games with Leinster and Ireland.
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
