Jack and Jill Foundation has supported 102 children in Mayo

THE Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation has marked a significant milestone, announcing it has supported 3,000 families since it was set up by pioneering founders Jonathan Irwin and Mary Ann O’Brien 27 years ago. This figure includes 102 children who have been cared for by the charity in Co. Mayo since its inception in 1997.

The organisation, which currently supports 15 children and their families across Mayo, funds and provides in-home nursing care and respite support to families caring for children, up to the age of six, with neurodevelopmental delay associated with a severe cognitive delay. This may include children with brain injury, a genetic diagnosis, cerebral palsy, and undiagnosed conditions.

Another key part of the service is end-of-life-care for all children up to the age of six, irrespective of diagnosis.

Having experienced the challenges of caring for their son Jack at home with the help of local nurses until he passed away at the age of 22 months, Mary Ann and Jonathan vowed that no parents should have to walk this difficult care journey alone. Jack’s home nursing care plan became the blueprint for 3,000 children who have since been supported by Jack and Jill.

The magnitude of this landmark moment is amplified by the loss of Jonathan in December 2023.

Nurse liaison manager for Co. Mayo, Erin Watt Shepherd, said: “I am very proud of the role I have played in supporting some of the 102 children and their families who have received care from Jack and Jill over the past 26 years across Co. Mayo. For so many, Jack and Jill has been, and is still, a lifeline.

“We really appreciate the lengths the people of Mayo go to keep supporting local Jack and Jill families in their communities.”

Mary Ann O’Brien, who co-founded Jack and Jill with her husband Jonathan Irwin in their son Jack’s name, commented: “This is such a bittersweet moment. Jonathan would have revelled in this milestone and in the impact of Jack’s legacy in helping so many families. But I have no doubt that he would have also availed of the opportunity to call on corporates and anyone who wants to make a meaningful contribution across Co. Mayo to support Jack and Jill. I’m proud to carry on the mantle and to keep supporting these wonderful families, because I know too well, the difference it can make.”

For more information, please visit https://www.jackandjill.ie/.