Latest news with #JackandJillFoundation
Irish Daily Mirror
7 days ago
- Automotive
- Irish Daily Mirror
Karen Byrne and Jake Carter step out to launch this year's Retro Cannonball
Dancing with the Stars judge Karen Byrne has stepped out with her fiance Jake Carter to launch Retro Cannonball. The couple – who got engaged in March – are hoping to raise vital funds for the Jack and Jill Foundation at the annual car event. Retro Cannonball will feature 100 classic cars and free family live entertainment as the convoy travels from Little Island, Cork and then coming up through Tipperary, Offaly, Westmeath, Tyrone and finishing at The Cooley Peninsula in Co Louth. Speaking at the launch, Jake and Karen said: "Family is so important to us both and when we were approached by Jack and Jill to help announce its partnership with RETRO Cannonball, it was a no-brainer. "RETRO Cannonball is such a brilliant event, and a true celebration of rare and classic cars that will thrill the whole family. "We hope that people will be inspired to get out onto the high-roads and by-roads along the route to check out this incredible spectacle. "And most importantly, if they have a few euro to spare, please donate it to Jack and Jill, because you'll be making a meaningful difference for families who so rely on Jack and Jill to keep the show on the road at home." The event is hoping to raise money for the children's charity, to bring awareness to its vital in-home nursing and respite care service, which help over 400 families across Ireland. Cannonball has already raised €1,946,432 for Irish children's charities. The event features cars from the 60s, 70s, 80s & 90s from vintage Mustangs to sleek Corvettes, as well as Lamborghini Diablo, Jaguar E-Type, Ferrari 348 GTS, Mercedes-Benz SL Classics and Porsche 911 Carrera. On Friday June 13, the classic convoy will depart from the Radisson Blu Hotel in Little Island, Cork at 10.30am and then roll through the picturesque landscapes of Cork, Tipperary, Offaly and Westmeath stopping for lunch along the way in Kilshane House in Tipperary followed by a coffee stop in Kinnitty Castle in Offaly and the first overnight stay and finish line at The Sheraton Hotel in Athlone. On day two, the convoy travels through Westmeath and on to Tyrone. Cannonballers will have lunch at Corick House in Tyrone before crossing on the ferry from Greencastle to Greenore. The second overnight stay and overall finish line is coming to the Cooley Peninsula for the first time and takes place at Ballymascanlon House just 20 minutes from Carlingford.
Irish Independent
30-05-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
Wexford woman hits the streets for mini marathon to mark milestone birthday of child that keeps defying the odds
On Sunday, June 1, Sarah Dowling, Niamh Davis and Sinéad Burns will lace up their runners and hit the streets of Dublin for the VHI Women's Mini Marathon, running 10km in support of a special little boy and the charity that's helped his family every step of the way. Speaking ahead of the mini marathon, Niamh said, 'We are so proud of Eilish and her family and really want to push ourselves to give back to Jack and Jill. Matthew has continued to defy the odds and given the nature of his condition we know how important it is to the Begley's to celebrate his birthday every month. So, as he approaches his 24 month birthday we would love to mark that milestone by reaching a fundraising target of €2,400.' Matthew Begley, aged 22 months, lives in Gorey with his mum Eilish, dad John, and big brother Patrick. Born with a rare and complex heart condition, Matthew has no pulmonary artery and lives with a life-limiting diagnosis. Against all odds, he continues to amaze everyone with his strength, love of the outdoors, and beautiful smile. Since his birth the Jack and Jill Children's Foundation has provided vital in-home nursing support to Matthew. Sarah, a nurse from Waterford and a long-time friend of Eilish, has seen first-hand just how much the Jack and Jill Foundation means to the Begley family. Wanting to do something meaningful, she rallied her friends Niamh and Sinéad who are also friends with Eilish to join her in running the mini marathon. Matthew's mum Eilish will also take part in the mini marathon this year alongside her friends, in solidarity for the support her family has received. 'Every moment with Matthew is precious. Jack and Jill give us the gift of time at home together. Taking part in this run is my way of saying thank you—and celebrating how far we've come.' The Jack and Jill Children's Foundation stepped in when Matthew was just ten days old, making it possible for him to come home from hospital and spend time with his family. Since then, their dedicated nursing support has allowed Eilish and John to care for Matthew at home while also meeting the needs of big brother Patrick. Running the VHI Women's Mini Marathon is more than a fitness goal for this group, it's a show of friendship, support and community spirit. They're running for Matthew, for Eilish and over 430 families just like the Begleys across Ireland who are supported by the Jack and Jill Foundation.
