Barretstown Open Day

Barretstown, the charity for children with serious illnesses, is inviting families to take a look behind the scenes at its magical castle near Ballymore Eustace, Co Kildare.

The Open Day on Sunday, July 3, will feature tours of the facilities, a chance to try out some of the fun activities, a bouncy castle, face painting, games and refreshments.

Barretstown offers a fun programme of challenging activities designed to help children from 22 European countries deal with the trauma of serious illness.

The children who come to Barretstown have spent a long time in hospital and been denied ordinary childhood experiences such as making friends, developing independence and social skills. At Barretstown they are encouraged to step outside their comfort zone and take on challenges such as being on stage and climbing a 40ft tower. Through their successes the children begin to stop seeing themselves as sick kids and use their new-found confidence and skills to deal with the challenges of their everyday lives.

Barretstown’s Chief Executive Jenny Winter notes that all children who come to Barretstown do so entirely free of charge, including round trip transportation. "Barretstown relies on the generosity of individuals, companies and foundations to fund the €4.4 million it costs annually to run its programmes," she adds. “The open day, from 2pm to 5pm, is also a chance to thank our many supporters and to show them how their money has helped over 10,000 children in 10 years.”

Entry is free but booking is essential. To reserve your place call Barretstown on 045 864115. Find out more at: www.barretstown.org.

— Hilary Makin
Barretstown Communications Manager.