Concern as children's Irish cancer charity, Hand in Hand, to face closure

A children's cancer charity, which was established in 2006, may face closure unless much-needed funds are raised in order to continue their service.

As it stands, the Hand in Hand organisation, which serves the west of Ireland, is utterly reliant on fundraising and donations, but will be unable to provide further support unless it receives monetary support from the public.

Commenting on the matter, Paula Carroll, a voluntary director with the charity 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."

Acknowledging that the public have reason to be sceptical on account of negative publicity received by various other charities, Paula outlines the Hand in Hand's workings, saying: "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 expense."

The charity which provides domestic cleaning, laundry and childcare services to families enduring the "traumatic experience of childhood cancer" simply request the help of the wider public, with Paula explaining: "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."

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