This article is from page 16 of the 2006-07-10 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 16 JPG
A GROUP of 50 very special mums of sick and disabled children converged on the mid-west last week for a relaxing break away organised by the Share a Dream Foundation.
The group included women who lost their children through serious illness and others with children, suffering from chronic and severe illnesses such as leukaemia, muscular dystrophy.
They came to the area from Dublin, Waterford, Cork, Galway, Limerick County, Laois, Wicklow, Wexford, Westmeath, Longford, Roscommon, Monaghan, Tyrone and Down.
The Share a Dream Foundation has been making dreams come true for sick and disabled children from all over Ireland for the past 15 years. During this time, they have helped more than 17,000 children.
The group were accommodated in the lap of luxury in the Clare Inn hotel at Dromoland, courtesy of the Lynch hotel group and enjoyed a night of feasting, fun and song at Bunratty Castle, courtesy of Shannon Heritage.
They also visited a folk park and had dinner and music laid on in The Clare Inn.
Founder and Director, Shay Kinsella, said, “It’s really only when you get to know these children and their families that you begin to understand what amazing people they are.
“The children are battling illness and disability with everything they have and then you meet the parents – they are truly amazing.
“For them it is a 24 hour a day, seven day a week, 52 weeks a year commitment and yet they are full of love and good humour.
“And while Share a Dream Foundation does everything we can to make the very special dreams of the children come true, we couldn’t help but see how their parents never had any time out.
“That’s what made us think of organising a special weekend away for these amazing people – and what better place to bring them than to the beautiful mid-west.
“I know they are really going to enjoy the exciting city of Limerick and the lovely countryside of Co Clare,” he said.
“The people of Limerick and Clare are so welcoming and have always been so supportive of the work of the Foundation.”