Jack and Jill Foundation has supported 68 Wicklow children
Nurse Liaison Manager for County Wicklow June Foxton.
The Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation recently marked a significant milestone, having supported 3,000 families since it was established by founders Jonathan Irwin and Mary Ann O’Brien, 27 years ago.
Since its inception in 1997, 68 children from County Wicklow have been cared for by the charity.
The organisation, which currently supports 19 children and their families across Wicklow, funds and provides in-home nursing care and respite support to families caring for children, up to the age of six, with neurodevelopmental delay associated with a severe cognitive delay. This may include children with brain injury, a genetic diagnosis, cerebral palsy, and undiagnosed conditions. Another key part of the service is end-of-life-care for all children up to the age of six, irrespective of diagnosis.
Nurse Liaison Manager for County Wicklow June Foxton said: “I am very proud of the role I have played in supporting some of the 68 children and their families who have received care from Jack and Jill over the past 26 years across County Wicklow. For so many, Jack and Jill has been, and is still, a lifeline and we are honoured to continue Jonathan’s legacy in supporting families on their terms, with no means test, no waiting list and no red tape. I am also extremely grateful to the many families and volunteers from all across County Wicklow who, over the years, have raised vital funds to help us to keep providing this vital service.”
“We really appreciate the lengths the people of Wicklow go to 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 in Wicklow and Arklow making a corporate donation; all support is hugely welcome.”
Mary Ann O’Brien co-founded Jack and Jill with her husband Jonathan Irwin in their son Jack’s name. The magnitude of having supported 3,000 families is amplified by the recent loss of Jonathan in December 2023.
Mary Ann said: “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 across County Wicklow 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.”
