Two Galway friends, Bryan Walsh from Clonberne and Máire Mulkerins from Bullaun, Loughrea, are set to take on the 2025 Dublin City Marathon—all to raise vital funds for the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation.
The nationwide charity which provides in-home nursing care and respite support to children with severe learning disability often associated with complex medical needs. Typically, these children may be tube fed, oxygen dependent, may not sleep, have seizures, need a lot of medication and require around-the-clock care. The charity currently supports 27 families in Galway and has cared for 214 Galway children since its foundation in 1997.
Inspired by Bryan’s niece, Grace aged four also from Clonberne, who receives vital support from the charity, the pair are determined to push their limits for a cause close to their hearts. Grace has developmental delays, microcephaly, and hearing loss. Since turning three, she has required more complex care, and the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation has provided her family with essential nursing support. With her parents juggling full-time caregiving, work, and a small farm, this assistance has been life-changing.
“It was perfect timing when Jack and Jill became part of Grace’s life,” explains her Uncle, Bryan. “It coincided with a few changes regarding both her care regime and condition. She had started suffering with seizures which was understandably a very worrying time for her family and also had been fitted with a nasogastric tube for feeding. These developments were initially very hard for her parents to navigate, but having the support and reassurance of Jack and Jill nurses was invaluable in their hour of need.”
Grace is a happy girl who adores being surrounded by her loved ones. Things can however be challenging too as she cannot sit, stand, walk or talk. Having the reassurance of care for Grace has also allowed the family to spend one on one time with her brother, Milo, and baby brother, Paudie.
Having seen first hand the benefit Jack and Jill has brought to his sister’s home, Bryan along with his friend Maire decided it was now time to give back to the charity that has helped his family so much.
"Jack and Jill continues to go the extra mile for our family. Even when I got married, Grace’s Jack and Jill Nurse arranged to stay overnight in order for my sister to enjoy the occasion in the knowledge Grace was happy and well cared for. It really is only when it is your family, and you see that level of care and support, do you fully understand what a lifeline Jack and Jill is.”
Training four times a week and with support from Get Better Running Galway, Bryan and Máire are committed to crossing the finish line to raise vital funds for Jack and Jill. They are sharing their journey on Instagram (@bryan_maire_2025_challenges ) and hope to inspire others to donate and support families like Grace’s.
To support, visit the fundraising page today at https://eventmaster.ie/fundraising/pages/BW91692996.
