2015 IRELAND – Dublin 

Lauralynn – Ireland’s Children’s hospice

While Gordon’s boys were making their way to a glorious 1-1 draw against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin, TACC, with members of the Caledonian Brewery Pipe Band were absolutely delighted to make a donation of over £6,000 to the wonderful Lauralynn – Ireland’s Childrens Hospice which cares for children with life-limiting conditions and residential care for young adults with disabilities.

Our donation enabled LauraLynn House, a  100% volunteer funded, dedicated 8 bed children’s palliative care unit, to purchase a new Acheeva Graduate bed, which is truly inclusive, allowing children who have to spend time in the lying position to join in all hospice activities, supported, in comfort and relaxed.

“Making the most of short and precious lives“ was the message conveyed to us expertly by our host Michelle Byers. Those who were able to attend described their experience as “humbling” when we learned that one of the children in care was probably in their last few hours with her family. As a mark of respect and consideration our pipers stayed silent.

The Hospice was set up with the dedicated efforts of Jane and Brendan McKenna who tragically lost both daughters Laura (age 4) from a heart condition and Lynn (age 15) from Leukemia and the facilities, work and care provided at LauraLynn is nothing short of a  first class legacy and memory to their daughters. To the extent possible the facilities are personalised to each child’s needs in order to make their lives as normal as life might allow and the grounds and play areas are specially designed to provide a wide range of fun and sensory experience for all.

Many parents provide a memorial tribute to their child.

It’s probably appropriate to end our brief report with a poem written by Lynn McKenna, only 12 days before her life tragically ended. Says it all really.

Lynn's Dreams

I wish I could learn, like everyone else.

I wish I could swim, jump and run,

I wish different cards could have been dealt,                                            

I wish it could be like old fun.

I wish I could grow and learn about life,                          

I wish I could feel well again.

I wish that there was an end to the strife,

And a new beginning instead.

But destiny’s come and it’s drawing me near,

And I know my two ANGELS are there.

With them I will have no reason for fear,

In their warm embrace and their care.