When we lose a little one, they ignite a spark in our hearts that never fades, and one Wexford couple are paying tribute to this with a very special charity remembrance campaign next month.
Paddy and Helena Kehoe, from New Ross in Co. Wexford, lost their daughter Annabelle after a battle with a very rare syndrome, and they plan to mark her precious life with a campaign, Annabelle’s Candle, in February.
On Saturday, 13 February, the Kehoes will lead an event honouring the lives of Annabelle and so many other little ones who have passed on, by lighting candles in their names.
Annabelle received wonderful care from the Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation during her short life, and the Kehoes are using the event to raise much-needed to funds for children relying on the charity’s services.
The couple are calling on members of the public to join them on February 13 by lighting their own candles, then donating €4 to the Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation by texting ABCANDLE to 50300.
Every €16 raised will be used to fund one hour of home-nursing care for a sick child supported by Jack & Jill, so the more people who participate in Annabelle’s Candle, the better.
On the day, the Kehoes will be lighting candles during a special event in An Teach Beag, Hoodsgrove in New Ross. From 7am to 7pm on the day, they – joined by family, friends and members of the community – will light candles for Annabelle and so many other children who have passed away.
Explaining the motivation behind the campaign, the Kehoes said: “We decided from the moment she was born to give her all the love and care she deserved and to have no regrets, and that we did. We enjoyed so many occasions in her short life of two years and eight months. Thanks to the Jack & Jill nurses, we were lucky to be able to care for Annabelle at home, and although she endured daily health problems we learned how to make her life comfortable through the support of these nurses.”
We’re sure you will agree that this is a very worthy cause. For more details and to make a donation, check out Facebook or www.annabellescandle.ie.
