The generosity of Irish people towards children following the Late Late Toy Show appeal has, indeed, surprised us all. Now well in excess of €6,000,000, it will change children’s lives.

Five-year-old, Adam King from Cork touched our hearts with his enthusiasm. I have to say, Julie and I cringed when Ryan Tubridy asked Adam if he liked his wheelchair! Celebrating difference and accepting difference does not come easily to people, in general. Focusing on it is certainly not the way to go about that acceptance. Many families have people with added needs in their midst. We need to continue to facilitate people to be the best they can be in their homes and communities. Hopefully, a share of that money will be targeted towards children who need extra support to live ordinary lives.

Adam’s dad, David King, has written a book on the family’s story to help other parents whose children are in and out of hospital; receiving treatment but also living life to the full. The book is inspired by Adam’s imagination. David is married to Fiona and they have four children – Danny, Katie, Robert and Adam – and they live in Killeagh, Co Cork. The book is called But Really … Adventures With a Difference and is available online from Easons. It is €11.99.

Marymount Hospice fundraiser

The kindness within us is awakened in many ways, and oftentimes by grief and loss of a loved one. People want to give something back to those that have helped them through difficult times.

The hospice movement around the country facilitates families to support their nearest and dearest when terminally ill and also ensures people do not suffer when they are at the end of their lives. Marymount University Hospital and Hospice in Cork is a dedicated specialist care facility for the Cork and Kerry region. It has 63 elderly care beds, a day care facility and 44 specialist palliative care beds.

While it is supported by the State, there is a large shortfall which is made up by the generosity of people. Anthony Aylward is organising an event on behalf of Cork Craft and Design Makers. The members from Cork city and county have donated a bumper package of 25 raffle prizes of quality handmade crafts. Anthony is a furniture maker and has donated a bespoke blanket box worth €650. Among the prizes are a life-size stained glass Heron by Gaby Aubin (valued at €250) and a patchwork throw and cushions (valued at over €450) by textile artist Mary Palmer.

Tickets, €10, are available to buy through the Cork Craft and Design Event page (idonate.ie/raffle/makersformarymount). The raffle takes place on 13 December at the Cork Craft and Designs Christmas Market in Douglas.

Down Syndrome Tipperary need support

Siobhan Ryan got in touch to tell me about a project under way in Thurles, Co Tipperary, that epitomises what communities can do together. Down Syndrome Tipperary purchased a premises in February, 2019. It required serious renovation to make it suitable for use by the members and their families. Funding was needed and the group soon found that no funding would be forthcoming for the project from Government agencies. Advice was sought and the group was introduced to a not-for-profit organisation called Heart-to-Hand, which came on board for the project. Heart-to-Hand use local skilled volunteers and donations of supplies from people and businesses in the locality to complete projects.

This project is halfway there, and Down Syndrome Tipperary wants to say a warm thank you and acknowledge the people of Tipperary and beyond who have helped them to date. As with many projects, it needs to be finished, so the group needs more volunteers and help with supplies. If you can help them with building supplies, your time and any other expertise you might have to get this premises up and functioning, give Siobhan Ryan a call on 096-079 0007.

The pandemic restrictions have kept us insulated from the needs of others. The people who need support have not gone away and their voices have been dulled as they isolate in their homes or away from their loved ones. So open your eyes and think about who you might help this Christmas. Remember, it doesn’t always have to be money. The Down syndrome Tipperary and Heart-to-Hand project is a perfect example. CL