On October 12, Limerick hosted a 5k fun run in aid of Féileacáin.
Féileacáin is an Irish charity that strives to provide support to anyone affected by the death of a baby around the time of birth.
The run was organised with the help of seven bereaved mothers; Karen Heffernan, mother of Fiadh, Louise Canty, mother of Noah, Aoife Fitzgerald, mother of Aoibheann, Aisling Heffernan, mother of Bonnie, Leanne O’Donnell, mother of Padriag, Hattie Kearney, mother of Finn and Natasha Creagh, mother of Peter.
The mothers all wish to further support a charity that did so much for them at such a tragic time in their lives.
“I got involved in this charity event because I lost my little boy four years ago, baby Peter” explains one of the organisers of this event, Natasha Kelly. “We’ve had an amazing turnout today, it’s absolutely fantastic to see the sea of purple around the park” continues Natasha.
A purple Féileacáin t-shirt was given to everyone who took part in the Butterfly Run. Each t-shirt had a space for people to write down the name of a baby that they wished to remember during this event. The aim of these t-shirts is to help show people that they are not alone in their grief and that their babies are loved.
“I lost my daughter Bonnie in October 2022. Her birthday is actually today. Féileacáin provided us with so much support. A unique thing about our situation is that my sister Karen lost her baby in June previous. Karen lost Fiadh in June and I lost my daughter Bonnie in October” explains Aisling.
“They couldn’t have done enough for my family when I lost my daughter two years ago” notes Karen.
As part of Féileacáin’s services, the charity provides bereaved parents with memory boxes. These boxes contain information and support for parents who have just suffered a loss, along with artefacts that support parents in creating precious memories with their baby in the short time that they have with them.
“The charity just bought us precious memories, bought us time with our babies and just that’s the most valuable thing so that’s why we are here today, and we are celebrating all the lovely babies” continues Aisling.
“So today really is a day of celebrating and honouring our babies. It’s a day to reflect. When you see the crowds that are here, I’m just blown away by the amount of support and love that there is in Limerick today” comments Karen.
To avail of Féileacáin services and learn more about the charity, please visit Feilicain.ie