Mayo's Padraig O'Hora to take on LauraLynn ambassadorial role

LauraLynn, Ireland’s Children’s Hospice, are delighted to announce Mayo and Ballina GAA star, Pádraig O’Hora as an official Ambassador.

Kerry McLaverty, CEO of LauraLynn commented: “We are delighted to welcome Pádraig to our team of LauraLynn Ambassadors. As a GAA player for Mayo, Pádraig is an incredible role model to all our children and their families here in LauraLynn. He will be a fantastic addition to our team and we are so excited to work with him. LauraLynn primarily relies on public support to fund our hospice services. Pádraig’s support will really help us in promoting campaigns, fundraisers and events which enable us to help more children and their families across Ireland each year.”

The new partnership comes as LauraLynn have recently announced a new LauraLynn in the Community service. Specialised hospice and palliative care supports will be offered to children and their families in the Midlands, West and Northwest of the country from a base in Ballinasloe.

Pádraig first connected with LauraLynn whilst taking part in their Locks of Love fundraiser last January. Locks of Love is a fundraising campaign by LauraLynn which gives those cutting their hair (which must be 12 inches or more) the opportunity to set up a fundraiser alongside it. Participants can donate their hair to charities which make wigs for children while all funds raised helps Ireland’s only children’s hospice continue to provide palliative care and supports for children with life-limiting conditions and their families across Ireland.

Commenting on the announcement Pádraig said: “I am delighted to become an ambassador for LauraLynn. I took part in their Locks of Love fundraiser last January and following this I had a visit to their hospice in Leopardstown, Co Dublin. I was absolutely amazed by the incredible support they offer children with life-limiting conditions and their families.”

LauraLynn care is provided free of charge for children and families. LauraLynn relies primarily on fundraised income to fund its hospice services. Now in its 12th year, LauraLynn provides symptom management, planned short breaks, emergency and end-of-life care, as well as family supports and bereavement care.