Ballaghaderreen Community Raises €26,455 for Sunflower Children’s Hospice

A Shave, Wax or Dye fundraiser and monster auction at Creaton’s Bar in Ballaghaderreen raised an incredible €26,455 for the Sunflower Children’s Hospice.

The event was inspired by the Cox family from Lisacul, Co. Roscommon, whose 11-year-old son Daire has severe cerebral palsy. Pub owners Lorraine O’Grady and Sheila McGullion was moved to act after seeing Linda Cox’s story featured on RTÉ, and, having only taken over the pub the previous May, organised the fundraiser from scratch.

The response was overwhelming. Locals bravely signed up to shave, wax and dye, sponsorship cards circulated across the town, and the farming community rallied behind a bumper auction featuring hay bales, a steel-frame shed, a generator and trades services. The auction alone raised €11,000. The shave, wax and dye created great fun and excitement on the night and also invited generous bidding, with one beard fetching €600.

Sunflowers made by children at Frenchpark Childcare decorated the venue, and a full team of DJs, auctioneers, hairdressers, beauticians and photographers gave their time freely.

Linda Cox, whose family will use the Sunflower Children’s Hospice, once built, said:

“Special thank you to Lorraine, Sheila and all the staff of Creations bar who all played a massive part of making the night such a success. Also a sincere thank you to all the sponsors for their auction items, raffle prizes and generous donations.

As parents of Daire, who will use the hospice services, it truly means the world to us. The care they provide, from respite support to specialised palliative care, will make such a difference not only to Daire but to us as a family. It also means so much knowing that other families will benefit from this kindness and support too. We really appreciate every single person who helped make it happen.”

From left to right: Lorraine O Grady, Sheila McGullion, Martina Jennings, Cathal Cox, Linda Cox

Full set of images on Creaton’s Facebook post.

Participants in the Shave, Wax or Dye: Meet the Brave Men

https://www.facebook.com/reel/905354035801340

Fred, Joe, Mickeen and Arno shaved their head and beards
Craig and Seán had a leg wax
John Francis and Paul had their head shaved and dyed
Gene and Fergal had a chest wax

Your support helps children and families when they need it most.

For families caring for a child with a life limiting illness, everyday life can be filled with uncertainty, exhaustion & moments no family should have to face alone.