THE family and friends of a young Ballymun boy who died tragically last year have raised over
?¬20,000 for children’s charities since he passed away.
Eoin and Kariann Ã? FainÃn’s world was ripped apart when their five-year-old son Tadhg died while on a family holiday on July 18, 2011.
It’s every parent’s worst nightmare to lose a child, and one which Eoin and Kariann are still struggling to overcome.
However, they have selflessly thrown themselves into fundraising for the ‘Tadhg Ã? FainÃn Foundation’, which they set up in honour of their beloved son and are hoping to generate further funds for children’s charities from a Hollywood themed event later this month.
“Tadhg is an extraordinary five-year-old boy who left a massive imprint on the people he met, even if he only met them once,
? Kariann Ã? FainÃn stated.
“In honour of him we would like to make an imprint on other children’s lives.
“We never think of Tadhg as our past as he will always be very much in our present and future. Our son Tadhg is an exceptional, fun-loving, friendly and most definitely funny little character.
“He’s known as Cosa Sasta (Happy Feet as Gaelige) in school as he would always be on his feet. Music and films are among Tadhg’s favourite things, as well as his love for Gaelige and books.
“A great chunk of our hearts was taken from us, which we will never get back.
“Our sole aim with this foundation is to help enrich and prolong needy and sick children’s lives as we all know a child’s life is so precious.
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Countless children have benefited from the fundraising efforts of Eoin, Kariann, their family and friends.
Family friend Amanda Ryan told Northside People how Kariann and Eoin have been an inspiration to many.
“Over the past 11 months, when you’d expect them to totally withdraw into themselves, they have thrown themselves into raising funds for children’s charities in the name of their beloved Tadhg,
? she explained.
“They have put so much time, heart, dedication and care into helping others that I am totally in awe of them every day.
“I am so proud of them and am honoured to be part of the Tadhg O Fainin Foundation, which is a ray of positivity and love, just like Tadhg.
?
Over
?¬12,000 of the money raised so far has gone towards new equipment for Crumlin’s Children’s Hospital. Thousands more euro, which was raised through various fundraising events and raffles, was donated to Barnardos and the Share A Dream children’s charities.
Much-needed money was also donated to a pre-school in Clondalkin which caters for children with blindness and other disabilities, and to Coolock Boxing Club, which helps local children stay fit and out of trouble.
Another big date on the fundraising calendar for the Tadhg Ã? FainÃn Foundation is an upcoming black-tie event with a Hollywood theme which will take place in the Crown Plaza Hotel on July 21. The night in aid the Irish Premature Babies charity promises plenty of glitz and glam.
It kicks off with a champagne reception at 7.30pm followed by a four-course meal, live band and disco. A whole host of signed sporting memorabilia will also be raffled off on the night.
Tickets for the event are still available. For further information or to purchase a ticket email tadhg@tadhgofainin.com or visit the Tadhg Ã? FainÃn Facebook page or www.tadhgofainin.com.