Families caring for children with severe learning disabilities and complex medical needs face challenges that many people never see — long hospital appointments, sleepless nights, emotional strain, financial pressure, and the constant responsibility of providing around-the-clock care.
In a compassionate and heartfelt interview on Disability Matters, John Comiskey speaks with Marion Lynch from the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation about the life-changing support the organisation provides to families across Ireland.
Marion explained that the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation provides up to 100 hours a month of in-home nursing and respite support for children up to the age of seven who have severe learning disabilities often associated with complex medical needs.
“A lot of the children we support have very high and complicated medical routines,” Marion explained. “Some may be tube fed, oxygen dependent, or attached to several pieces of medical equipment. Our role is to support families in their homes and help make everyday life a little more manageable.”
The conversation highlighted the enormous impact respite care can have on parents and carers. For many families, even a few hours of support can provide time to rest, spend time with siblings, attend appointments, or simply take a break from the constant demands of caring.
“Every €20 raised provides one hour of in-home nursing care for a family in need.”
Marion spoke passionately about the importance of supporting families not only medically, but emotionally and socially as well.
“Jack and Jill is all about community,” she said. “Families need to know they are not alone and that support is there for them.”
The interview also shone a light on the incredible dedication of carers, nurses, volunteers, fundraisers, and local communities who help sustain the charity’s work nationwide.
Currently, the foundation supports more than 500 families across Ireland, including over 120 families in Dublin alone. Marion explained that fundraising plays a critical role in ensuring those supports can continue.
One of the organisation’s best-known initiatives is the annual Incognito Art Sale — a unique fundraising campaign where thousands of original artworks are sold anonymously online for €75 each. Buyers only discover the identity of the artist after purchasing the piece.
Now celebrating its 10th anniversary, the initiative has raised over €1.4 million for Jack and Jill services.
“The creativity and generosity people show every year is incredible,” Marion said. “It’s amazing to see artists and communities coming together to support families.”
Throughout the interview, John and Marion also discussed:
- The growing need for disability and respite services across Ireland
- The importance of early intervention and family-centred care
- How community fundraising directly supports families in crisis
- The emotional toll caring can place on parents and siblings
- The importance of awareness, compassion, and practical support
The conversation was a powerful reminder that behind every child with complex needs is a family doing extraordinary work every single day.
“No family should have to face these challenges alone.”
Marion also took the opportunity to thank the thousands of supporters, volunteers, donors, and fundraisers who continue to support the charity year after year.
“We are so grateful to every person who supports Jack and Jill,” she said. “Whether it’s through fundraising, volunteering, donations, or awareness — every bit of support helps us continue providing care to families who need it most.”
This moving interview highlights the importance of compassion, community, and ensuring that families caring for children with complex medical needs receive the support they deserve.
For more information visit the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation website: https://www.jackandjill.ie/
This interview aired on Disability Matters on 92.5 Phoenix FM, a programme produced by Blanchardstown Centre for Independent Living (BCIL).
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Compiled by Valentyna Hordiichuk