Kildare Golf Club hosting fundraiser for St John's Ward in Crumlin Children's Hospital

Cill Dara Golf Club will be hosting a fundraiser in aid of St John's Ward in Crumlin Children's Hospital.

Events on the evening will include:

• An 18 hole competition
• Live Music from 7.30pm
• Presentation of prizes at 8.30pm
• Spot prizes and a raffle
• The fundraiser will take place on Thursday, April 6 and Friday, April 7.

Contact Kathleen at 085 801 9817 or Brendan at 086 128 1001 to arrange tee times and sponsorship.

JACK'S STORY:

One child who had been helped by St John's Ward is Jack O' Connor, who helped to inspire the fundraiser.

Jack's aunt, Niamh, spoke to the Leinster Leader to provide more background on Jack.

She explained: "Jack was complaining of a sore foot back in October 2022. After seeing his local GP and trying pain relief for a few days, Jack's pain got worse and his mammy took him to the KDoc on the 31st of October. 

"Jack was sent from the K-Doc to Crumlin Children's Hospital that night. It was there that Jack, aged four, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. Jack's parents Niall and Amy, Jack and his sister Méabh were actually due to go on holiday the next day."

Niamh continued: "He started his treatment straight away in St John's Ward in Crumlin and has taken it very much in his stride. 

"Jack started "big school" in September and was really enjoying making all his new friends but unfortunately he has been unable to return to school this year. 

"Jack has had to be admitted to Crumlin twice since his original stint at the beginning, one of which was over the Christmas period. Jack was admitted on Christmas eve, for five days leaving his family devastated."

Niamh said that Jack now receives treatment both in Crumlin and Portlaoise: "He has multiple appointments and treatments a week and his parents Niall and Amy are doing a fantastic job juggling their Jobs, Jack's treatment plan and their one year old daughter Méabh."

She also commended Niall and Amy's friends and the families 'who have all shown such incredible support' to the family since Jack's diagnosis.

However, she said that many were left 'feeling a bit helpless' and wanted to do something to not only support them, but to support other children who are receiving similar treatment in Crumlin also, which led to the creation of the fundraiser. 

In addition, Niamh said that while the golf classic was originally just going to take place on Friday, April 7, but due to incredible support from friends, family and the Newbridge community and the generosity of Cill Dara Golf Club, the family has added a second date, and the fundraiser will now run over two days.

LENTEN FUNDRAISER

A fundraiser for Jack is also currently taking place for Lent — Niamh explained: "We are also fundraising via the 'Lenten Walk for Jack', which kicked off on February 23, and runs every Monday and Wednesday evening throughout lent.

"Every Monday and Wednesday a group of supporters meet at 8pm outside the Riverbank and walk 5K together." 

"There has been a phenomenal response to our fundraising efforts so far; it's a true testament of people’s generosity and support," she added.

The fundraiser for Jack O' Connor can be accessed by clicking here.

At present, over €12,250 has been raised for the fundraiser, which has a €20,000 goal.