A special fundraiser in memory of respite pioneer Helen Hughes will take place in the Clayton Hotel on Saturday.
The Helen Hughes Gilligan Memorial Dance, with the legendary Jimmy Buckley and his band, will raise funds for Home Sharing Contract families through Home Share Galway, a partnership between Brothers of Charity Galway & Ability West.
Helen from Kilcahil, Claregalway, sadly passed away on April 7 last year after a short illness.
An inspirational lady, Helen and her husband Eddie, pioneered the development of Contract Family placements in the County of Galway - a family based short break/respite scheme which involves an ordinary family in the community taking a child/young person or adult with an intellectual disability into their home for short breaks and caring for that person as a member of their family.
The scheme currently has more thanr 22 families who offer breaks to 63 people and their families, with more host families due to come on board. The guests get respite care in a home environment, where they are cared for and are involved in the family's routines. Their families get a chance to have a break, knowing their loved ones are being cared for in a home like their own.
The event kicks off at 9.30pm. Tickets cost €20 per person and can be purchased by contacting Kieran Keon 087-9277172 or Audrey Reilly 091-540900.
