Latest news with #LauraLynn
Irish Independent
4 days ago
- Health
- Irish Independent
‘It's an amazing atmosphere' – feel-good day in the capital as 28,000 take part in VHI Women's Mini Marathon
The first day of June showed early signs of a dreary day out for the 28,000 taking part in the annual run. There were spits of drizzle throughout the morning and an unseasonable breeze blew around the capital, but by early afternoon the sun was shining bright to bring a day more befitting the season. Moving through the city centre, it was clear the weather would be no deterrent regardless. Hours before the 12.30pm start-time, the streets were dotted with the purple t-shirts synonymous with an event now in its 43rd year. Among the competitive runners on the day, it was Grace Richardson of Kilkenny City Harriers who took first place with a time of 34:17. She was followed by Claire Fagan from Mullingar Harriers AC In third place was Jessica Craig of North Down AC on 34:55. The Visually Impaired category was won by Sinead Kane from the Le Chéile Athletic Club with a time of 44:26. More than €2 million has already been raised this year alone, bringing the total amount of money raised by the Mini Marathon up to more than €255 million since it was first held in 1982. Many taking part in the Mini Marathon do so for a good cause, including Castleknock woman Amy Kane, her sisters Kim and Erin Lynch and large group of other family and friends. The group were running in aid of the LauraLynn Children's Hospice, and all wore t-shirts with the LauraLynn logo and pictures of Ms Kane's baby daughter Grace, who sadly died just three months after she was born. 'My little girl Grace was under the care of LauraLynn,' Ms Kane said. 'She was unfortunately diagnosed with meningitis when she was 18 days old. She was under the care of LauraLynn and she passed away at three months old. ADVERTISEMENT Ms Kane said the care provided by LauraLynn wasn't just for Grace, but also for the entire family. 'Grace was a triplet, so her sisters Cara and Chloe were premature as well, they were born at 32 weeks. We had to stay in LauraLynn for three weeks before Grace passed away. Ms Kane described how the charity had cots for Cara and Chloe. Their brother James was only 18 months old at the time, so they had a toy corner for the toddler. 'It was just after Covid and they made it possible for all our family and friends to come in and meet Grace before she passed away. They're amazing, we're still very close to them and we'll continue to support them.' Blanchardstown neighbours Stephen McGovern and Charlie and Aileen Boyd, running separately for different causes, ran into each other on their way to the starting line. Decked out in a blonde wig and short shorts, Mr McGovern had already raised €500 for the Irish Motor Neuron Disease Association. He said for every €10 he raised, a strip of hair was waxed from his legs and sure enough, his legs were hairless. He was running in memory of his aunt Eilish, who died following a battle with the disease. 'My aunt passed away from Motor Neuron about 12 years ago and between myself and a few other family members, we've always raised money,' he said. 'It's a disease that has no cure at the moment, so helping families get the support that they need and getting the charity the funds that they deserve is the right thing to do.' Mr McGovern said he is conscious of the Mini Marathon being an event for women, but he felt running for a woman who can no longer run it herself anymore was appropriate. 'I've always believed the Women's Mini Marathon is a women's event, but men should do it if they're raising money for a women's charity or in place of a woman who can't run. "So, raising money in that direction is the right thing to do and since it's such an amazing atmosphere, supporting her since she's passed, it makes it more fun.' Further south, the Cork City Marathon and Half Marathon races were also held on Sunday, where Clare man Chris Jeuken of Derg AC took first place in the marathon, just three weeks after winning the Limerick half marathon. Mr Jeuken, who finished with a time of two hours, eighteen minutes and 55 seconds, was greeted at the finish line by his girlfriend Olivia Gurnett who herself ran the 10km race today. The leading woman in the Cork City Marathon was Evelyn Twomey with a time of two hours and 54 minutes. A total of more than 11,000 people took part across the marathon, half marathon and 10km in Cork including 550 international runners from 26 countries.
Irish Independent
29-05-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
Limerick mum opens up about daughter's rare diagnosis and the vital help of LauraLynn service
Grazyna from Limerick provides round-the-clock care for her 13-year-old daughter Malgosia, who has a rare neurological disorder. Speaking during Children's Hospice Week, she explains how LauraLynn's support has become 'life-changing' for their family Today at 02:00 After a successful Children's Hospice Week, one Limerick family is opening up about the reality of caring for a child with complex needs, and the vital role LauraLynn plays in helping them cope. The Musical family are one of 24 families in Limerick using LauraLynn's services, and Grazyna, mum to 13-year-old Malgosia, who requires round-the-clock care, says life after her diagnosis is 'not just different for me or her dad, but my other two girls too.'
Irish Daily Mirror
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Miss Ireland 2025 finalists announced ahead of glamorous final
These are the 21 finalists vying for the title of Miss Ireland 2025. The finalists were revealed at a sparkling white party at The Black Door in Dublin 2. Now in its 77th year, the Miss Ireland final takes place on June 14 at the Knightsbrook Hotel in Trim, Co Meath. The hopefuls will step into the spotlight and embrace their journey of empowerment, leadership, and community impact with a spectacular ceremony, vibrant performances and a star-studded audience. Since 1947, the Miss Ireland pageant has celebrated intelligence, ambition, and cultural pride, evolving into a platform that champions female leadership and philanthropy. This year's competitors will join a legacy of inspiring role models including Former Miss World Rosanna Davison and former Miss Irelands - Pamela Flood, Holly Carpenter, Rebecca Maguire, Lauren McDonagh, Aoife O Sullivan, Amanda Brunker, Pamela Uba, Aoife Walsh, Michelle Rocca, Olivia Tracy, current Miss Ireland Jasmine Gerhardt and many more. In recent years the Miss Ireland Franchise has raised over €350,000 for various charities including Laura Lynn, Temple Street, Alzheimer's Ireland, Pieta House, The Cari Foundation and The Julian Benson Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The finalists of Miss Ireland are put through their paces in a challenging competitive process testing their skills in debating, public speaking, talent, sports, modelling, social media and each finalist will be tasked with raising much-needed awareness and funds for their chosen charities. Each finalist will advance to the national event for a chance to claim the Miss Ireland crown. The 77th crowned Miss Ireland will receive a lucrative agency contract and a host of prizes and will then have a chance to jet off to represent Ireland next year on an international stage at the Miss World Festival which is televised in over 100 countries around the world.
Irish Independent
21-05-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
Huge challenges for Cork families of children with palliative care needs
There are 64 families in Cork currently using LauraLynn's services. LauraLynn, Ireland's only Children's Hospice has released stark findings from two new surveys looking at the many challenges faced by families caring for a child with palliative care needs. The findings give a strong picture of the emotional, psychological, and financial impact and the unprecedented administrative burdens placed on families. Children's Hospice Week which runs from Sunday, May 18 to Saturday, May 24 raises awareness about the lived experiences of children with life-limiting conditions and their families. One of the surveys, carried out by LauraLynn in April 2025 unveiled the following from respondents: • 84% feel isolated in their caregiving role. • 90% worry about the emotional impact on siblings. • 86% wish they had more time to be a parent rather than a carer. • 68% find it challenging to focus on parenting. Other findings from the survey indicated that 77% of respondents care for more than 12 hours per day, 95% feel overwhelmed by caregiving responsibilities, 95% report that caregiving impacts their sleep quality and 76% care for their child through the night. More results from the survey found that 83% worry about not spending enough time with other children, 75% find it challenging to balance the needs of siblings and 55% find the psychological impact on siblings challenging. From a financial perspective, the survey found that 86% say caregiving impacts their finances, 83% had to give up work and 91% had to reduce work hours, 60% feel financial supports are inadequate and 63% find the financial implications challenging. In February 2025, researchers at LauraLynn in partnership with UCD School of Psychology completed another survey to measure the administrative burden on parents. This was the very first-time parents had been asked to voice the impact of these specific administrative demands. They found that families spend an average total of 17.5 hours per week on administrative tasks relating to their child's care, 96% say it affects their mood, 93% report increased stress levels, 86% say these tasks negatively impact their energy levels and 71% feel less confident in their ability to cope. CEO Kerry McLavery said: 'At LauraLynn it is so important for us to ask, listen to and understand what our families really need to make things a little bit better for them. It helps us provide the right care and support through the toughest journey whether that be at the hospice, in hospital or in the comfort of a child's home. 'Together with your support we can meet the needs of these wonderful children and families as best as possible. They deserve nothing less,' she added. Children's Hospice Week is dedicated to raising awareness for children's hospice and palliative care in Ireland. This year's theme is 'Every Step, Every Challenge, Together.' This Children's Hospice Week, LauraLynn is asking the public to help bring care and colour to these families by donating. To donate please go to
Irish Independent
14-05-2025
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Former Mayo footballer to run half-marathon in memory of late son
Mr Diskin, who represented Mayo at Minor, U-20 and senior level, will run the Life Style Sports Fastlane half-marathon in Co Dublin aid of LauraLynn on Sunday, May 18, on the weekend of his son's third birthday. Cillian Rochford Diskin was just ten months old when he passed away in 2023. Already, Mr Diskin has raised over €14,000 for LauraLynn, which provides support to sick children and their families. The Claremorris footballer described LauraLynn as 'an amazing charity that provides palliative care for children with life limiting conditions, making the most of short and precious lives'. 'Cillian had a cheeky smile, an authentic laugh and brought so much love and joy to those around him,' Mr Diskin wrote on his iDonate page. 'Losing my little best friend so unexpectedly has been a level of pain like no other, but with the grief I've learned for what I once thought was a negative feeling, I now see it as a symbolism for the love I had for Cillian, I hope this grief always stays with me.' He has described losing his son as 'unbearable at times' and 'a level of pain I never knew was possible'.
