Meet the Southside’s fantastic fundraisers

MEET the selfless Southside couple whose astonishing efforts on behalf of a local charity have seen them raise over half a million-euro.

Big-hearted Fran O’Brien and Arthur McGuinness have been praised for raising the massive sum for the LauraLynn Children’s Hospice over nearly 20 years.

The couple were singled out for praise from the children’s charity in Leopardstown who took the opportunity on international ‘Thank You Day’ recently to extend their thanks and gratitude to members of the public “who have supported, fundraised and donated to enable us to continue to provide much-needed services to families across Ireland”.

“A special thank you is reserved for Fran O’Brien and Arthur McGuinness, fundraisers on behalf the charity who this year reached the half million-euro milestone,” a spokesperson for LauraLynn said.

“Since 2005, the duo has supported the charity through an extensive range of fundraising efforts including writing and self-publishing 12 novels which were sold door-to-door at shows and larger events, as well as LauraLynn cards and gifts in shops and markets around the country.”

The charity pointed out that as the only children’s hospice in the Republic, they provide a vital ser-vice that enhances the quality of life of children living with a life-limiting condition and that of their families.

While they receive some statutory funding, in 2018 the charity was required to generate €4.2million to provide services.

Orla O’ Brien, CEO, said last year had been another rewarding year at LauraLynn.

“We provide a community for families where they are supported and cared for, while also having the opportunity to enjoy time together as a family,” she said.

“None of this would be possible without the continued support of the public, their fundraising and awareness building efforts – and for that we are incredibly grateful. Thank you.”

Last week a modest Fran O’Brien insisted that their sole purpose was to raise awareness of LauraLynn and what they do for children with life-limiting conditions and their families.

“One day I heard (founder of LauraLynn) Jane McKenna telling her story on the radio and I just thought ‘I have to do something to help’,” recalled Fran.

“I had always been interested in theatre, and my granduncle Professor Liam O’Briain, one of the founders of An Taibhdhearc Theatre in Galway, was also a writer and an influence.

“So, in 2005 I established McGuinness Books with my husband Arthur and we published my first book, ‘The Married Woman’. To make my scribbling worthwhile we decided to donate all the proceeds to LauraLynn children's hospice.

“We have since published several more books to help this most deserving charity which was established by Jane and Brendan McKenna who tragically lost their only two daughters, Laura and Lynn.

“It was their dream to build a children's hospice in memory of their girls and that dream was later realised when LauraLynn House was opened.”

Fran said that through her and Arthur’s work with the charity their lives had been changed.

“We have become very good friends with Jane and Brendan and we are determined to keep going,” Fran added.

“We have stalls at some of the major events throughout the country such as the Ploughing Championships and next up is the Holiday Show in the RDS this weekend where we’ll be selling our books and merchandise.”