We are Mammy Ann Marie, Daddy Niall and big brother Tadhg. Our youngest son Cathal was born on 6 May 2022, a little over a week early but just in time to steal his Grandad Gerry’s birthday.

Soon after delivery the doctors discovered that Cathal had a heart murmur, and he was quickly whisked away to Crumlin Children's Hospital. It was there that the Doctors realised that Cathal was born with a genetic condition called CHARGE syndrome and a Congenital Heart Defect named Tetralogy of Fallot.

After several tough months in hospital, Cathal finally made it home in November 2022. During his time in hospital Cathal underwent open heart surgery, had a feeding tube inserted and was the subject of endless prodding and poking. Cathal’s condition means that he is legally blind, severely deaf and has low muscle tone.

However, Cathal is by far greater than the sum of his parts! Despite all he has been through Cathal still has a heart melting smile for everyone he meets. He loves nothing more than wrestling his big brother Tadhg awake each morning and can bum shuffle across a room in seconds if it means catching his dog Levi’s tail!

In short Cathal is defying all the medical professional’s expectations. When Cathal came home from hospital Jack and Jill were on hand to provide assistance straight away. Jack and Jill provide in-home nursing care and respite support for children with severe to profound cognitive delay. For us this means we can be confident that Cathal is being well taken care of at home if we need a break, feel that Tadhg could benefit with some one-on-one time or just need to get out to do some routine chores during the week.

We are incredibly grateful for the support we have received over the last few years. It is now our time to give back by raising vital funds for the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation. Today over 420 children and their families are supported by the Jack and Jill Team. Every €18 raised will fund 1 hour of in-home nursing care and respite support.

Read more about our fundraising efforts at www.raisethepar.ie

Many thanks for your support.

Raise the Par with Cathal 2025

Created by Ann Marie Freyne

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