Fundraiser held in memory of Baby JJ 

A NORTHSIDE sports club recently hosted a very special fundraising event in memory of a local child who died at just 10-weeks-old. 

On March 15 the Swords Boxing Club community held a charity coffee morning in memory of Baby JJ Harford who died suddenly on February 17. 

The coffee morning which raised in excess of €2,500 was organised by JJ’s parents Grainne and Joey Harford along with his sisters Amber and Ava, and was attended by family, friends and the club’s members. 

The nominated charity on the morning was FirstLight, formerly known as Irish Sudden Infant Death Association (ISIDA), which was founded in 1977.

FirstLight provides crisis intervention and free professional counselling services throughout Ireland to bereaved parents and family members who have suddenly lost a child up to 18 years.

Speaking about the coffee morning and their son, Baby JJ, Grainne, who lives in Swords, said: “Thank you to all involved in both organising the coffee morning and all that came along to support it. 

“Our lives have changed dramatically since losing our baby son to cot death at just 10 weeks. He was such a healthy and happy baby that it's hard to understand why this happened. 

“Everyone who met JJ fell in love with him and we are devastated he is gone and miss our baby boy so much but he will never be forgotten. Our family will always talk about him and keep his memory alive. 

“He was so special to us all and the happiness he brought was incredible. My heart would just burst every time he smiled. I loved every second being with him.”

Grainne said it’s heartbreaking for any family to lose a child. 

“A part of you dies with them, there is an emptiness that cannot be ever filled,” she added.  

“Only other families in our same position really understand this and we hope they also can get the support and counselling they need provided by FirstLight.”

Fionnuala Sheehan, chief executive of FirstLight, said: “We would like to sincerely thank the entire Harford family and Swords Boxing Club community for their overwhelming generosity.

“These vital donations will greatly help FirstLight in continuing to support suddenly bereaved families nationwide.”

FirstLight operates a 24/7 emergency helpline 1850 391 391. For more information, visit www.firstlight.ie