Ryan and friends remember his late dad Jim through poignant fundraiser
A YOUNG Ballyduff lad, his school friends and their families are taking part in an extraordinary fundraiser for charity for the month of November in a moving tribute marking the first anniversary of his father’s passing.
Ryan Murphy (10) is bravely leading the charge in the campaign to raise funds for the Kerry Hospice Foundation, a charity which provided vital care at the Palliative Care unit to his father, Jim, throughout a battle with illness.
Indeed, it was Ryan’s mom, Louise, who nominated the charity as the great cause at Ballincrossig National School for the month of November in a fundraiser that sees the school community mounting a rolling 24hour fast until December.
Principal Dianne Crean said that everyone in the school, from staff and pupils to pupils’ families, are taking their lead from Ryan and getting on board without question in support of the cause.
“The response has been phenomenal, both from everyone in the school community and in the wider community, with families in the school all signing up to take on the challenge,” Ms Crean said.
Ms Crean said that the death of Jim had come as a massive blow to the entire community, which rallied to his family’s side; and that the community has been deeply awed by the dignity with which the Murphys continue to bear their grief
– including Ryan’s older sister Keira and big brother Ben, also former Ballincrossig pupils. “Ryan bravely and without a moment’s hesitation agreed to be involved, despite obvious immense personal grief,” Ms Crean explained.
The fast will see a different family fasting from 3pm to 3pm each day, with Ryan’s famous hurling uncles, the Boyle brothers, and their families also taking part.
“We’re sending texts out daily reminding people their fast begins on the date of the text. Sponsorship cards have also been made available through the Parish Centre, to allow everyone in the wider community to play a part in this campaign for such an important cause,” Ms Crean said.