According to various reports it is believed that Directors at one of the country’s leading children’s cancer charities Hand in Hand, have confirmed that they might have to end their operations at the end of the month unless they can somehow manage to raise some much needed funds.
The well known charity which mainly operates in the west of Ireland, say they are running of options due to the fact that they are completely reliant on fundraising and donations and are without the support of state funding. The devastating closure comes after the charity only recently decided to extend its services to families nationwide.
The news of the charities unstoppable demise was met with an understandable angry reaction from voluntary director at the charity Paula Carroll, who said: “It’s deeply upsetting that after 10 years caring for families at the most terrible time in their lives that we have to consider closing the doors of Hand In Hand.” “The services provided by the charity are a lifeline to families going through the traumatic experience of childhood cancer.”
Mrs Carroll further explained: “With various charities hitting the headlines for the wrong reasons in recent months it is understandable the public are sceptical about donating money. “Hand In Hand employs only two full time staff with salaries not exceeding €30,000 per annum. “The entire board of directors give their time voluntarily and do not claim any expenses. “We desperately wish the Irish public will respond immediately and generously so that we can save Hand In Hand and continue to offer much needed support to the families of children fighting cancer.”
The news of the charities closure will come as a shock to many as Hand in Hand provide many service’s to a number families who have children suffering from cancer. The charity group regularly carries out many service’s such as domestic cleaning, laundry, childcare and family meals.
