A Claregalway lady is to take to the Wild Atlantic Way later this month to raise funds for a children’s charity that has been a lifeline to her great grandnephew.
Eileen Crowe Lynch from Gortatleva will embark upon a 1,500 mile walk from Malin Head to Galway this week in aid of the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation‘s Walk on the Wild Side campaign.
The charity, which provides care for children with special medical needs, has been supporting Eileen’s grandnephew Alister who requires 24 hour care for multiple medical needs.
“I know this is a tough challenge for me, but at least it has a beginning and an end and then my life will get back to normal afterwards,” said Eileen who is taking her full annual leave entitlement from her job at Glynn’s Centra in Carnmore in order to complete the challenge.
Her boss Liam Glynn has boosted her efforts by making a €1,000 donation to the charity before she leaves for Donegal tomorrow (Thursday).
“After spending 11 months in hospital Alister was able to come home thanks to the Jack and Jill children’s nurses who were able to give his parents the confidence and support to care for him at home.
“They’ve been a real lifeline to the family as Alister requires 24/7 care and is prone to seizures which can occur at any time. Therefore, he must be cared for by a medically trained person at all times and both his parents have been taught how to cope with most of his needs.
“This means however that it is not possible for any of Alister’s extended family to care for him for any period of time. So this vital support provided by Jack and Jill allows the family to enjoy the basic things we all take for granted like watching their other sons play a match, watch a movie, escape for a cup of coffee or even just catch up with the housework.”
Eileen’s trek will take just under five weeks to complete and she is hoping to raise as much money as possible throughout her journey.
“It costs just €16 per hour to have a specialist trained Jack and Jill medical nurse care for a child like Alister in their own home,” she added.
“Jack and Jill endeavour to support these young families to stay hopeful and positive and give them a few hours relief each month to recharge batteries and continue to care for their special children.”
To support Eileen log on to her Facebook Walk on the Wild Side for Jack and Jill page or post a cheque made payable to the charity to Eileen Crowe Lynch, Gortatleva, Claregalway, Co. Galway.
Collection boxes are also in place at Glynn’s Centra in Carnmore and in Crowe’s Bar, Woodquay.
“Any contribution, no matter how small, is very much appreciated. Together we can make a big difference,” added Eileen.
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- Eileen Crowe receiving a cheque for €1,000 as a contribution from her employer, Liam Glynn, Glynn’s Centra, Carnmore, towards her upcoming fundraising charity walk in aid of the Jack & Jill Foundation. Photo via Galway Independent.
