Santa and friends deliver joy to children, young people and their families as Children’s Health Ireland turn on their lights for Christmas
Children's Health Ireland Press Release For immediate release: Friday, 6th December 2024
10 Nollaig 2024
Gach suíomh CHI
News
This week, all four Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) sites at Crumlin, Tallaght, Connolly and Temple Street, turned on their Christmas lights, with help from patients, staff and some very special guests!
Festivities started in CHI at Crumlin with familiar faces, followed closely by CHI at Tallaght where special guests Shamrock Rovers FC surprised our patients and kicked off a perfect light up. Irish singer-songwriter, Gavin James serenaded patients and staff in CHI at Connolly. And last but not least, the façade of CHI at Temple Street was adorned with twinkling lights and sounds from the Tumbling Paddies. A special mention for our patients, Libby, Drew, Dara, Albi, and Jenny who had the important job of turning on our lights across the city.
Gráinne Bauer, Chief Director of Nursing in Children’s Health Ireland said,
“It’s a magical time of year but the reality is, it can be very difficult for those families with a sick child in hospital. Our staff work so hard to share the festive spirit with these families across our sites. Thanks to them and our charity partner Children’s Health Foundation, we can help provide special festive moments for our families to create beautiful memories. Switching on the Christmas lights kicks off our festivities and, in truth, it all helps in bringing the magic of Christmas to these children and families at this time of year”.
Fionnuala O’Leary, CEO of Children’s Health Foundation said,
“Christmas is a simply magical time of year for children all over Ireland and it should be no less special for children attending hospital over the festive season. On behalf of the Foundation, I would like to warmly thank our supporters, volunteers and friends for your phenomenal support this year and wish you a peaceful and happy Christmas.”
The events were made possible thanks to the kind supporters of Children’s Health Foundation, whose generous donations ensure the magic of Christmas is brought to the patients of CHI each year. To donate today and support sick children in CHI at Crumlin, Temple Street, Connolly and Tallaght this Christmas, visit www.childrenshealth.ie/donate.
Patient, Dara Moran, aged 9, with Shamrock Rovers FC footballers, Scarlett Herron, Áine O'Gorman, Pico Lopez and Aaron Greene balancing football on head in CHI at Tallaght
Dara Moran, aged 9, Shamrock Rovers FC footballers, DoN Fionna Brennan, Clinical Director Ike Okafor ADON Blaize Whelan, CNM 2 Joppa Lynne Paris CHI at Tallaght
Tree light up pic in CHI at Crumlin Carl Mullan, Santa Claus, Clinical Director Sean Walsh, Hazel Pakenham, Ronan McHugh, Elena Hogan
Guitar and white Christmas jumper pic Gavin James with CHI patient Libby Greene aged 13 older sister Emily Greene aged 18 and younger sister Ava Greene aged 10
Photo at tree in CHI at Crumlin Carl Mullan, Santa Claus, Santa's elves from Elftown, Debbie Nolan, Suzanne Bryne, Martin Gibbons, Jamie and Katie Gibbons (age 8)