A WEST CORK family is backing a Christmas appeal for the Jack & Jill Foundation describing how they would be ‘lost’ without its support.

The foundation provides vital in-home nursing hours for over 450 families nationwide, and is currently supporting 56 children in Co Cork.

And for the Daly family, from Ballinhassig, the charity has been a lifeline since the birth of their son Ryan in December 2023 who has ongoing intensive care needs.

Ryan was born four weeks early with severe brain bleeds and other complex medical challenges. He spent more than three months in hospital before finally coming home to his parents and two older brothers Nathan (7) and Logan (5).

‘Jack & Jill have been there for us through thick and thin, even before Ryan came home,’ his mum Vicky Daly revealed. ‘They’re not just a charity, they are like family. Our nurses know Ryan so well, from the music he loves to how he likes the wind on his face.’

She added: ‘Because of them, we can do things most families take for granted, especially in the run-up to Christmas, like go shopping, rest, or spend time with our other boys.

‘The support they give us is invaluable. We’d be lost without them.’

The Jack & Jill Foundation aims to raise €650,000 this Christmas through its campaign, It Takes a Village.

It is inviting everyone – from the community that surrounds every family to nurses, donors, neighbours and friends – to become part of its village of support.

Donations and gifts available via its website (www.jackandjill.ie) will help fund in-home nursing and respite care hours and will light up a virtual festive village, with every glowing window representing families supported.

Deirdre Walsh, CEO of the Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation, said: ‘With only 21.5 per cent of our funding coming from the Government, we rely on the kindness and generosity of the public to help keep our service going.

‘Behind every beautiful child we support stands a village of care. And this Christmas, we’re asking everyone to be part of our village, helping to keep our families together at home, where they belong, making memories and ensuring siblings enjoy the Christmas they deserve.’

Since the charity was founded by Jonathan Irwin in 1997 it has supported 386 families across Cork city and county.

The Daly family are representative of most families who use the service – a survey recently revealed that nine out of every ten Jack and Jill parents (92%) felt they could not rely on family or friends to help care for their child.

‘While most of us are busy wrapping gifts or planning festive outings, many Jack and Jill parents are juggling difficult medication schedules, equipment at home, frequent hospital or medical appointments, and often while having sleepless nights and whilst trying to work,’ said Ms Walsh.

‘They are also trying to ensure other siblings get to enjoy the ‘normal’ festive activities many of us take for granted. The gift of care hours means these families can catch their breath, make memories together, and experience the joy of Christmas.”

Every €18 raised helps fund one hour of vital in-home nursing and respite care for a Jack and Jill family.