Local nurse Emma Barry is lacing up her runners and taking to the streets of Limerick for this year’s Regeneron Great Limerick Run, raising vital funds for The Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation, a charity that’s close to her heart – both personally and professionally.
Emma, from Patrickswell works as a Jack and Jill nurse, delivering specialist in-home nursing care to families in Limerick. She provides regular support to Rian Moloney (3) from Granagh, one of 18 children currently under the charity’s care in the county.
Joining Emma on race day are her Camogie teammates from Patrickswell GAA Club—Kate Fitzgerald, Kathleen Dore, Tara Kirby, Ciara Barry, Kate Feasy, Michelle Fitzgerald, Sarah Carey, Patrice Lynch, Teresa Dore and Anna Breslin. Together, the team is running in aid of The Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation and Patrickswell GAA Club, splitting all funds raised between both.
“We’ve been encouraging each other over the past few weeks with runs, training, and lots of team spirit,” Emma said. “We train twice a week with the camogie team and it’s really helped with our fitness. We’re all so excited for race day – and to be doing it for such an important cause.”
Jack and Jill provides in-home nursing care and respite support for children up to the age of six with severe learning disability often associated with complex medical needs. The charity funds up to 100 hours of care per month, tailored to each family’s needs.
Rian’s mum, Rachel Moloney, shared how life-changing the service has been for their family. “Jack and Jill has been part of our family since the very early days after Rian came home from hospital. The support is just amazing—it gives me back a few hours to myself, confident in the knowledge that Rian is being cared for by very safe hands. Rian adores his nurses, just like Emma—they’ve become a part of our family.”
Jack and Jill Nurse Emma Barry pictured with Rachel and Paul Moloney and their son Rian 3 who is supported by the charity
To support Emma and the Patrickswell Camogie team in their fundraising efforts, visit https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/EmmaBarry50253
