Féileacáin (the Irish word for butterfly) is a recently formed, not for profit organisation that describes its aim as “to provide support to anyone affected by the death of a baby during pregnancy or shortly after.”
It was formed by a group of bereaved parents who came together with the aim of helping others in their situation. The name was chosen as in Irish mythology butterflies were believed to contain the spirits of departed children.
Ringsend couple Anthony Owens and Claire McDonnell sadly came into contact with Féileacáin when their son, Arthur was born asleep on October 9th 2013. The couple were so grateful for the support provided by the organisation that they decided to give something back and, through a number of fundraising events, they raised the impressive sum of €13,779. A cheque was presented to Féileacáin by Anthony and Claire in the Ringsend Community Centre on Friday December 20th.
The fundraising began in November when, along with roughly 80 members of the local community, Anthony and Claire took part in the Remembrance Run, an annual 5k run staged by Féileacáin in the Phoenix Park. The organisation provided t-shirts so everyone taking part could wear Arthur’s name on their back. Some sprinted, some walked, some crawled; they all made a difference. A total of over €11,000 was raised through the event.
Another €1,500 was raised through a bingo night and Santa’s day out held by the Ringsend Community Centre.
Anthony and Claire are overwhelmed by the generosity shown and would like to thank everyone in the community who showed support, as well as the staff of The National Maternity Hospital, Holles Street.
You can donate €1.65 to Féileacáin by texting BUTTERFLY to 57802 (texts cost €2).
By Eric Hillis
