Kildare fundraiser for Jessica raises thousands

The community of Kildangan gathered in the local Crosskeys pub for a day that put the fun in fundraising – all in aid of local girl Jessica Whelan.

Jessica is a 17-year-old girl with a rare genetic disorder called Rett syndrome, which affects her ability to speak and and walk.

She has been on palliative care for the last number of years and needed help raising money to make the family car wheelchair accessible.

When the Kileen and Boherbaun gun club heard about this, they decided they would do their best to help.

On Sunday, June 1, the pub filled up with familiar faces, and people took part in clay pigeon shooting to help raise funds. Also on the day was a pig on a spit, hot deli food, live music from local singer Frantic Carthy, a ticketed raffle and an auction.

Jessica and her family were delighted with the huge amount of support they received and thanks everyone who donated and got involved on the day, especially Murt Kelly, members from the gun club and John the owner of Cross Keys pub.

Her mam Lynn said: “Jessica was full of smiles and loving the attention. I couldn’t believe all the support we got. We’re not long there. For them to even choose our family to do this was just overwhelming.” 

Jessica and her family were presented with a cheque of €6000, all raised on the day which will go towards providing the necessary care for her needs.

Lynn has dedicated her time to raising awareness in Ireland for Jessica’s condition. 

She said: “All I want to do now is spread awareness for Jessica’s type of condition and let people know, you know, it can happen to anyone. Life is precious and you don’t take it for granted. You just enjoy whatever life you have.”