Miriam to host annual ball for little heroes

MIRIAM O’Callaghan is hosting the LauraLynn Heroes Ball in aid of Ireland’s only children’s hospice next month.

The annual event will take place on Saturday, March 28 in the Clayton Hotel Burlington Road in Dublin.

Now in its fifth year, the night has become known as the most fun-filled charity ball on the calendar. With a gala dinner and drinks, sparkling entertainment and fabulous prizes up for grabs it’s a night not to be missed.

The RTE presenter will be on MC duties with the hilarious Alan Shortt orchestrating the charity auction activities with a signed guitar from Hozier up for grabs while the amazing Perfect Day band will keep the crowd entertained on the dance floor until late.

Speaking at the launch of the LauraLynn Heroes Ball, Miriam said: “It’s an honour to be on MC duties for LauraLynn’s Heroes Ball this year.

“It’s a wonderful night of glitz, glam and top entertainment and all for such a worthy cause.”

Alan Shortt added: “I am delighted to host the auction at the LauraLynn Heroes Ball this year.

“We have some amazing prizes up for grabs at this year’s event including a signed guitar from Hozier which will be sure to stir up some great excitement and interest.”

LauraLynn receives no dedicated Government funding and must raise €4.6m this year alone through fundraised income. The Heroes Ball is a key date in the fundraising calendar for LauraLynn Children's Hospice.

Since opening in Leopardstown in September 2011, LauraLynn has provided specialised hospice care to more than 420 children and their families, with 230 families currently availing of their care and support.

LauraLynn provides holistic care to each child which enables them to make the most of every day. This care also extends to the family of each child who are often dealing with difficult emotional, physical and financial pressures.

LauraLynn provides a range of services including, symptom management for children; music and play therapy; psychological support; family and sibling camps; short breaks and end of life care.

Care can be availed of in the purpose-build eight-bed hospice in Leopardstown, at the hospital, in the community, or in the family home, depending on the location and medical needs of the child and the family’s preference.

It provides vital bereavement supports to families after they have lost a child. It also undertakes research into the relatively new area of children’s palliative care. It costs more than €5 million to keep LauraLynn’s Children’s Hospice open, €4.6 million of which must be generated through fundraised income. 

For corporate tables or sponsorship packages contact Claire Shiels at 01 289 3151 or [email protected].

For individual tickets visit www.lauralynn.ie/shop.