A fundraiser will take place on Saturday September 5 in aid of Féileacáin, which is otherwise known as the Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Association of Ireland.
The fundraiser is being organised by Teresa Hardiman Daly and her husband Eanna, along with another couple, Deirdre Finn O'Grady and husband Garry, in memory of babies Eanna Eoghan Daly and Sara O'Grady.
Deirde Hardiman says Féileacáin is a wonderful charity. "Our son Eanna Eoghan passed away on October 14 last year while our neighbours lost their beautiful daughter Sara on January 2 this year. We decided to join together and try and give back Féileacáin the support they gave us. Stillbirth and neonatal death is one of the most misunderstood of bereavements with so many people telling couples that they are young and will have another baby, or there might have been something wrong with him/her, or at least you have another child, and so many more hurtful comments that are meant to offer comfort."
Féileacáin does not receive any State support and relies solely on donations from the public. The organisation has received a boost recently with the news that President Michael D Higgins has accepted an invitation to become a patron of the charity. Féileacáin will continue to support bereaved families and promote research into why so many babies die each year in Ireland
Anybody interested in supporting this cause can choose to walk 6km or partake in a 20km cycle in Colemanstown on Saturday week. Following the event, a mini auction will take place at Burkes Pub, Colemanstown (which is located six miles from Athenry ). There will also be a band, and a 5D cinema, and bouncy castles to keep the children entertained.
To find out more about this fundraiser, contact Teresa Hardiman Daly on 087 1499 670 or check out Facebook page eannaeoinandsara. Participants can register by logging on to www.iregister.ie/feileacain or donate by visiting www.idonate.ie/eannasara
