Sunflower children’s hospice launch marks “momentous and emotional day” for Mayo

The long-awaited proposal to develop the first dedicated children’s hospice outside of Dublin was formally launched in Castlebar today, drawing a large and diverse gathering to the TF Royal Theatre.

Political representatives from across the spectrum, senior HSE officials, volunteers, families, and long-time supporters of the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation filled the auditorium for what was repeatedly described as a landmark day for the west of Ireland.

The event centred on the vision of creating the Sunflower Children’s Hospice, a facility set to transform paediatric palliative care for families in Mayo, Roscommon, and the wider western region.

Central to the launch was the story of the Dunford family, whose son Kevin lived with a complex, life-limiting condition and whose experience travelling repeatedly to Dublin for care helped inspire the project.

Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Cllr Seán Carey, said the launch was both “humbling and inspiring,” praising the unity of purpose behind the initiative.

“The need for this facility is immeasurable,” he said. “Families deserve choice and equity of service.

No parent should have to leave their child in Dublin for weeks on end.”

He pledged the full support of Mayo County Council as the project moves forward toward planning.

Paul Fox, Chairperson of the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation, thanked the volunteers, board members, and clinical experts who helped shape the proposal.

He acknowledged the attendance of Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill and Minister Dara Calleary, describing their presence as a signal of support “at the highest levels of government.”

Fox confirmed that the children’s hospice has now entered its preliminary design stage. The project is expected to cost between €14 million and €15 million, with €7 million already raised.

He appealed to the public to continue their support, promising a fully resourced and fully staffed facility once completed.

A particularly emotional moment came when CEO Martina Jennings recounted the origins of the campaign.

Eight years ago, during the development of the adult hospice facilities in Mayo and Roscommon, Mairead and Chuck Dunford said to her: “Don’t forget the children.”

Their journey with their son Kevin, marked by long trips to Dublin, the struggle to access local complex healthcare, and the absence of specialist supports close to home was shown on screen to a visibly moved audience.

Jennings said research and the lived experiences of parents and the children's siblings consistently highlight the immense challenges facing families caring for children with complex, life-limiting conditions.

Particularly when it comes to consistently travelling to the east of the country to access appointments and services unavailable and non-existent in the west of Ireland.

“The findings are stark and unacceptable,” she said. “We need to do the right thing.”

Dr Tony Canavan of HSE West and Northwest commended the voluntary-statutory partnership underpinning the project and expressed confidence in its successful delivery.

Minister Dara Calleary said the Dunfords’ story illustrated why the hospice must be built, describing the campaign as a testament to how “small seeds of grief and determination can grow into the most stunning sunflower.”

He paid tribute to the countless volunteers who “stand in the pouring rain” to raise funds, insisting that geography could no longer remain an “enemy of care.”

Closing the event, Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill called the launch a “special and emotional day” and thanked the families who share their stories to help shape better services.

Planning permission for the Sunflower Children’s Hospice is expected to be lodged next spring, marking a major milestone in the effort to deliver a long-promised, life-changing service for children and families across the west and north-west.