A unique festive family drumming event with Galway’s Drumadore takes place at the Spanish Arch on Friday, December 23, to raise funds for Rosabel’s Rooms in partnership with the Irish Hospice Foundation.
The free workshop is open to all from 11am to 2pm to drum up support for the local charity who reach out to bereaved parents and families across Ireland to support them through the trauma of child loss. With Christmas classics and performances by Drumadore’s adult troupe, it’s set to be a rocking experience for a good cause. Not only that, but no experience or equipment is required.
“That is Drumadore’s big goal,” says director Éibhín Cradock, “to help as many people as possible experience drumming. We want people to experience drumming in a relaxed, fun and accessible way.
“The atmosphere at the arch promises to be special and you don’t need any experience or equipment at all to take part. All people need to do is show up on December 23 and get ready to rock. Our volunteers will provide you with sticks and all you have to do is copy me and have fun!”
For Éibhín, the service provided by Rosabel’s Rooms is paramount, particularly at this time of year. The organisation offers comfort and guidance though child loss with practical financial, emotional and infrastructural initiatives. Established by Suzanne McClean and Gary Monroe, who lost their beautiful 16 month old daughter Rosabel in April 2017, it is a lifeline for parents and families.
Through their Design and Dignity initiative, the organisation develops family-friendly bereavement suites in hospital emergency departments around Ireland. Rosabel’s Room-to-Heal Fund delivers direct financial support to families experiencing child loss while Rosabel’s Room-to-Talk ensures vital therapeutic supports are put in place.
“To see the work Gary and Suzanne do since Rosabel’s passing is really inspirational,” says Éibhín.
“I played at their wedding and we have been friends since. I remember little Rosabel from the few times we met. It is such an important service as child-loss is just so heart-breaking. The charity offers great comfort to parents going through the toughest of times and we are delighted to help them raise some much needed funds by doing our blend of drumming and bopping on December 23 from 11am. Let’s get rocking around the Christmas tree!”
Donations ahead of the event can be made on idonate under ‘drum for rosabel’.
