Crean Group selects Mayo children’s hospice as charity of the year
MAYO Roscommon Hospice Foundation has announced that Sunflower Children’s Hospice has been chosen as the 2026 charity partner for the Crean Group - a partnership built on shared values and a determination to see the doors of the Sunflower Children's Hospice in Mayo open for the children and families who need it most.
The Crean Group, founded in Mayo, consists of three divisions - retail with shops in Castlebar, Sligo and Charlestown, wholesale serving 32 counties, and Crean Contract Flooring Irl & UK.
As a collective, the group has been serving homeowners, businesses, architects, main contractors, and designers since 1968. Their teams span the length and breadth of Ireland, and London, and all will play a part in this year's fundraising effort.
A 10k fun walk will take place in June for staff and their families, with further events planned throughout the year.
Every euro raised will go directly towards the development of the Sunflower Children's Hospice, which will deliver specialist palliative and respite care for children and young people with life-limiting illnesses across eight counties in the west of Ireland. Alongside clinical care, the hospice will provide vital emotional, practical and bereavement support for families.
Construction is expected to commence in late 2026.
David Cunningham, director of Crean Contract Flooring, said: “As a business based in the west of Ireland, the work of the Sunflower Children's Hospice resonates deeply with all of us. When we heard about the project we knew we wanted to be part of it. We're looking forward to our June fun walk and everything else we have planned, and we'd encourage anyone who can to get involved and support this incredible cause.”
Martina Jennings, CEO of Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation, said: “Thank you to the Crean Group for selecting the Sunflower Children’s Hospice as their Charity of the Year for 2026. Partnerships with businesses that are deeply rooted in the communities we serve are invaluable to us.
“The funds raised through this partnership will make a tangible difference in the lives of children and young adults with life limiting illnesses in our region. We are proud to have them with us at this critical stage of the project.
“The Sunflower Children's Hospice will be a place of comfort, dignity and hope for children and families across the West of Ireland, and partnerships like this one bring us closer to making that a reality.”
For over 30 years, Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation has been dedicated to providing palliative care services to people with life limiting illnesses and their families in Mayo and Roscommon. The palliative care teams have supported more than 25,000 patients and their families to date.
Both Mayo Hospice and Roscommon Hospice were developed and paid for by fundraised income (a combined €16.3 million) and are a result of the great support received from the people of Mayo and Roscommon.
To make a donation, see www.hospice.ie.