Call for businesses to support bereaved parents

SIR, Every year in Kerry, on average 130 parents, families and professionals are affected by the devastation of losing a child or young person suddenly.

2016 has seen an increase of 68 per cent in the number of notifications to FirstLight – an organisation that provides professional supports during these traumatic events.

During 2015 the FirstLight hotline received 243 calls. From January to August 2016 the hotline received 291 calls, an increase of over 100 per cent on the same period last year. Due to this increase FirstLight need to raise €25,000 so we are asking 100 Kerry businesses to come together to ensure the Kerry families who lose a child or young person unexpectedly receive the appropriate and professional care they need.

FirstLight Kerry 100 was launched on September 26 and is proudly supported by Michael Healy Rae TD, Margaret Kissane of Connect Publications, David Moran of Casey and Co Accountants Tralee.

FirstLight Patron Leigh Arnold believes that the specialised work that FirstLight do on a daily basis saves, changes and supports parents and families’ lives through the most harrowing event a family can experience. This is why FirstLight exists.

Ambassador for the charity Úna Crawford O’Brien also endorses this campaign to ensure that all individuals who are affected by the sudden loss of a child have the choice to avail of professional support services.

FirstLight is calling out to 100 Kerry businesses to roll in behind Leigh and Úna to donate a minimum of €250 to the FirstLightKerry100 Campaign to reach a target of €25,000.

To sign up to the campaign contact me at 087 9157986 or email jennifer@firstlight.ie