Charity ball sell-out over a month before Mayor"s event

John Donohoe

Published: Wed 8 Apr 2009, 7:00 AM

Last updated: Wed 8 Apr 2009, 1:05 PM

There has been a marvellous response to the Mayor"s Sunshine Ball to be hosted by Cllr Padraig Fitzsimons, mayor of Navan Town Council on Friday 1st May in the Newgrange Hotel. The ball, which is a fundraiser for Children"s Sunshine Home"s Hospice Project, has sold out. In Ireland, there are over 1,400 children with life limiting and life threatening conditions, such as cerebral palsy, profound brain damage, meningitis, HIV and cancers. There is a limited palliative care programme available through other agencies. The Children"s Sunshine Home"s Hospice Project was launched to address both of these issues. Hospice Laura Lynn House will be able to support over 300 families across Ireland a year. The Laura Lynn House Paediatric Palliative Care unit will provide eight bedrooms along with living facilities as well as four family apartments, to enable relatives to be close to their children. These units will be an essential component of the palliative care programme so desperately needed. A further three units, each with eight bedrooms and living accommodation, will be built at Leopardstown to provide more respite care and residential care. A residential children"s hospice is a family"s last option but a real option for some - providing a 'home from home" offering a place where families can relax, recharge their batteries, share the care and have fun with their children. 'We are delighted with ticket sales and interest in the ball,' Cllr Fitzsimons stated. In this challenging economic climate it is great to see that people still like to take time out and celebrate life.' Paul McQuillan, managing director, Cusack Hotel Group, said it is a tribute to the Mayor that there is such high interest in this year"s ball. 'Of course, the Irish are renowned for lending support to those in need and we are happy to be involved in helping the Children"s Sunshine Home in their goal to build Ireland"s first children"s hospice. It promises to be a great evening of fun and celebration'.