A fundraising event taking place in Killanin at the weekend will raise money for the charity Féileacáin, which provides support to people affected by the death of a baby during or after pregnancy.
The Health, Wellness, Style and Beauty Expo will be held in Killanin Community Centre on Sunday from 11.30am to 5pm in memory of Baby Isabelle Carr and Baby Philip Lydon.
More than 35 exhibitors will provide information on the day on therapies, such as acupuncture, aromatherapy, yoga, spirtual healing, bio-energy. There will also be speakers and demonstrations on various topics, including relaxation, yoga, healthy foods, emotional health, demo, styling, and spiritual guidance.
Matthew and Geraldine (nee Stewart ) Lydon together with Kenneth and Teresa-Ann (nee Reilly ) Carr are organising the event to raise awareness and funds for Féileacáin. (www.feileacain.ie ). Both families are indebted to the charity enough for the help and support they received when their babies passed away last year.
They decided to hold the health and wellness event to highlight the different supports available in their local area. They say they are overwhelmed by the kindness and support they received.
Teresa-Ann Carr had never heard of Féileacáin before her daughter Isabelle died last April. In many ways she says she wishes she never had.
Without the charity she says she does not know how she and her husband would have coped. “Feileacain thought of absolutely everything from the cuddle cot, her little blanket, the remembrance box and her footprints and hand prints as we wouldn’t have known where to start. They provide free counselling and support meetings and constant support. My heart breaks for the women who have gone through this without their support.”
Geraldine Lydon feels that the support of Féileacáin gave them courage and strength to keep their son Philip’s memory alive and grieve openly and honestly.
“This was something that was denied to many long-ago bereaved parents. A generation ago baby loss was not talked about. This has changed but there is still room for improvement.”
The families are keen to raise awareness of Féileacáin and raise vital funds so that other families can continue to receive help and support. The organisation relies solely on donations.
Admission to the event is €10. For a list of exhibitors, prizes and more details about those who have contributed please see www.facebook.com/
