100 Hour Heroes needed in Louth

The Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation is calling on companies across Louth to become part of its 100 Hour Heroes campaign in 2025, an initiative that provides essential in-home nursing care and respite support to families of children with severe learning disability often associated with complex medical needs, many of whom require 24hr care.

By pledging €1,800, companies can fund 100 hours of vital care, giving local families the priceless gift of time—time to rest, recharge, and focus on what matters most - caring for their children in the comfort of their own homes.

Since 1997, the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation has supported over 3,100 families across Ireland including 69 in Louth by providing professional nursing care and respite support for these children and their families. Given the intensity of their care regime, understandably, their parents can be exhausted and need a break, which is where Jack and Jill comes in. This in-home care helps families stay together and gives them moments of rest and time to recharge that they desperately need.

Jack and Jill Liaison Nurse Manager for Louth Anne Reilly said: “Since we were founded in 1997, our focus has always been empowering families to care for their child at home, because we know there is no care like home care. Typically, these children may be tube fed, oxygen dependent, may not sleep, take seizures, need a lot of medication and require around-the-clock care.

"So, understandably, their parents can be exhausted and need a break. With referrals increasing year on year, we hope that, by encouraging local businesses to support local families, we can continue to meet the needs of families under our care throughout 2025, and beyond.”

One such family supported by the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation is the Heapes, from Lucan Co. Dublin, whose daughter Aurora (5) is supported by Jack and Jill. Aurora was born in February 2019, but her arrival was far from straightforward. Due to a number of serious health complications, she spent the first six months of her life in the hospital.

When she was finally discharged the following August, the family were referred to the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation by the team in Crumlin.  Reflecting on that time, Mum Stef Heapes recalls “Due to Aurora’s very complex care needs we were very anxious about managing her care at home. Feeding was particularly daunting, as Aurora needed a Nasogastric feeding tube which was hard for us to manage.”

Thankfully, the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation became a vital source of support for the family. According to Stef: “If it hadn’t been for the help of Jack and Jill nurses, we really wouldn’t have been able to manage.” The Foundation’s nurses not only provided practical assistance but also gave Stef and her husband Phil the reassurance they needed to care for their daughter. They guided the family through each stage, including the transition from a Nasogastric tube to a PEG feeding system, helping them gain confidence along the way.

“Every €18 helps provide one hour of care, and every hour makes a real difference,” says Michaella McMahon, Corporate Fundraising Manager at Jack and Jill. “By becoming a 100 Hour Hero, businesses not only impact the lives of local families but also align with a purpose-driven cause that resonates with employees and local communities.”

Companies that join the 100 Hour Heroes campaign in 2025 will receive several benefits including a framed certificate, a window sticker and a digital badge to celebrate their support. Their participation will also be recognised across Jack and Jill’s digital platforms, including the charity’s website and social media channels.

The Jack and Jill team will work closely with the 100 Hour Heroes to ensure an impactful partnership. Through informative sessions, companies will see firsthand the difference their support makes for families under Jack and Jill’s care. The charity will also provide guidance on everything from staff engagement events and workplace fundraising to volunteering opportunities - making it easy for businesses of all sizes to get involved and make a meaningful impact.

“Supporting Jack and Jill also strengthens companies’ ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) goals, by enhancing workplace morale, and demonstrates a tangible commitment to local communities.  The Foundation currently supports approximately 416 families nationwide including three in Louth, ensuring the children we support continue to receive the care they need at home.  Supporting Jack and Jill is not just a donation—it’s a lifeline for families. It’s hope, support, and a way to keep families together at home, where they belong,” explains Michaella.

Companies wishing to partake in the campaign can also claim donations as a tax deduction, further reducing the net cost of their contribution while maximising the impact of their donation. To learn more or to become a Jack and Jill 100 Hour Hero, visit www.jackandjill.ie  and help make 2025 a year of hope and support for families in communities across Ireland - one hour at a time.