Up the Hill for Jack and Jill
The annual flagship fundraiser Up the Hill for the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation is back for its 10th year and to mark this milestone anniversary, the charity is calling on people across Co Tipperary to take on their own Up the Hill challenge to celebrate someone special to them.
To kick start a summer of Up the Hill fundraising events, the charity is organising an extra-special Up the Hill evening walk at the Curragh Racecourse on Friday, June 21, to celebrate its pioneering founder, Jonathan Irwin, who passed away last December.
Whilst the Curragh event celebrates Jonathan Irwin, the charity is asking people to host their own events this summer to celebrate someone special to them.
“We are constantly in awe of the families we support,” said Sheila Hayes, Jack and Jill Liaison Nurse Manager for Company YY.
“Up the Hill is a great way for friends, families, communities and colleagues to come together and celebrate someone who inspires them. Just pick a challenge that suits you and your fitness levels – from mountain tops to forest walks; anything goes! It’s a wonderful opportunity to take some time out to reflect on those who inspire you, while helping to raise funds to keep our vital service going, which has been a lifeline for 76 families across Co Tipperary since 1997. Jonathan’s remarkable legacy that we are so proud to celebrate.”
Former Champion Jockey, Dancing with the Stars 2022 Winner and member of the coaching panel on RTÉ One’s show Ireland’s Fittest Family, Nina Carberry, commented: “Everyone involved in racing knew Jonathan. He was a larger-than-life character and a true inspiration, having founded Jack and Jill, despite his immense grief. I am very proud to be part of the Up the Hill walk to celebrate Jonathan’s incredible legacy at The Curragh on June 21st, and I would really encourage people across Ireland to take some inspiration from this event for their own Up the Hill climb to celebrate someone special in their lives. We have such a beautiful country, it’s a wonderful way to enjoy the outdoors while helping raise vital funds to support over 400 Jack and Jill families in communities all over Ireland.”
Jack and Jill’s own Up the Hill to celebrate Jonathan Irwin will take place at the Curragh on Friday, June 21, from 7pm and all are welcome to join special evening. Tickets are €18 per person. A ticket for a family of two adults and children under 16 years is €25 and all can be purchased via www.jackandjill.ie.
Those who are inspired and would like to host their own Up the Hill walk or hike to celebrate a loved one this summer can also visit www.jackandjill.ie to register and receive a fundraising pack complete with an Up the Hill banner and bandana.