Tipperary family to hike the Devil's Bit for children's charity

Lindsey and Colm Dunne, from Clonakenny are gathering a group of over 50 friends, neighbours and family to take on The Devil’s Bit on August 11 in order to raise funds for the Jack and Jill Children's Foundation.

The couple who has three children, Rian, aged 8, and twin girls Isabella and Caoimhe, aged 18 months, are calling for people to support the walk by either joining in on the day or to donate to their fundraising initiative.

The family who has been in receipt of support from Jack and Jill for their daughter Caoimhe, arranged the walk as part of the charity's annual Up the Hill campaign whereby people can set their own challenge in order to fundraise for the charity.

"Our twins Caoimhe and Isabella were born very premature at 25 weeks and 5 days," says mum Lindsey. "Isabella remained in hospital for four months, while Caoimhe came home after five months, she required a lot more support and was on oxygen and had feeding requirements that needed 24-hour monitoring."

Given the challenges involved in Caoimhe’s care regime the family were referred to Jack and Jill, a nationwide charity which provides in-home nursing care and respite support for families with children with complex medical needs.

The family chose to use their Jack and Jill hours at nighttime giving them back the gift of full night’s sleep.

"Caoimhe’s feeding schedule was 24/7 and very demanding, knowing that our wonderful nurse was able to take over at nighttime and give us the opportunity to get some well needed rest was invaluable," Lindsey explained.

"When the girls were first home from hospital, they were both very vulnerable given their premature status as well as Caoimhe’s additional needs, so we really isolated ourselves for that first winter. Having our Jack and Jill nurse was not only helpful because of the practical elements of care but she was also a really reassuring sounding board for any concerns or worries we had."

Caoimhe has continue to go from strength to strength and is currently doing really well and is now coming to the end of her time needing support from Jack and Jill. "It’s really bittersweet to be finishing up our time with Jack and Jill, it has been an invaluable support to my family," explains Lindsey."

"As such we really wanted to give back to the charity which provides such a vital service all over Ireland. Taking on an Up the Hill challenge was a simple way for us to do just that."

Alie Sheridan, Head of Fundraising at Jack and Jill said: "It is lovely to hear a success story like Caoimhe and we are all delighted to hear she is doing so well. Jack and Jill currently supports 13 families in Tipperary and in fact since we were founded in 1997 we have provided in-home nursing care and respite support to 77 families across the county. We really appreciate the lengths families under our care, past and present, go to, to support Jack and Jill right back. By taking on this challenge and organising a great day out for their community Lindsey and Colm are not only celebrating their beautiful daughter they are also help raise vital funds and awareness of the service we provide to over 400 families in Ireland.

"Now in its 10th year, Up the Hill is a great way for friends, families, communities and colleagues to come together and celebrate someone who inspires them. Just pick a challenge that suits you and your fitness levels – from mountain tops to forest walks; anything goes! It’s a wonderful opportunity to take some time out to reflect on those who inspire you, while helping to raise funds to keep our vital service going, which has been a lifeline for over 3,000 families since 1997," she added.

The walk which will start at 3pm on August 11th promises to be a great day out for all the family.

There will be treats on hand for young and old. Anyone wishing to join in and take part can register via #UpTheHill2024 Registration - The Jack and Jill Children's Foundation.

A registration fee of €18 will help provide one hour of in-home nursing care for a local Jack and Jill family.

The couple have also set up a fundraising page for anyone wishing to support them on their ‘Up the Hill’ challenge.