Will you be tuning in?

The relentlessly rising cost of living is dominating the news at the moment and there is no indication that the rate of inflation is going to go down in the near future. With many families struggling to make ends meet, Cliona’s Foundation have noticed a 30 per cent in the number of people applying to them for financial assistance. These families are the ones who are already crippled financially by the non-medical costs associated with caring for a sick child. They are now once more disproportionately affected by rapidly increasing bills. They are Ireland’s forgotten families. A ground-breaking two-part documentary series called “Ireland’s Forgotten Families” will air this Thursday April 21st at 9pm on Virgin Media Three. Each of these families experienced, and continue to experience, the significant non-medical costs of caring for a child with a life-limiting condition. The featured families include the Crowes. Their daughter Sarah sadly passed away after a very brave battle with Alpers (Mitochondrial disease) in 2016. Sarah was just 12 years’ old. Speaking about participating in the documentary Sarah’s father Dave Crowe said;

"We were very happy to be one of the families featured in the documentary. As a result of our journey with our wonderful daughter Sarah, we know first-hand just how much the help Cliona’s give to families really means to them, that someone out there is thinking of us and wants to help, means the world."

Also featured are the Russells and their triplets. We learn that these devoted parents sometimes slept in their car during son Cillian’s long hospital stays. We will also meet Wexford mum Rita Dempsey and her family the Dempsey Boyle Dobbs Family, who has to be one of Ireland’s unsung superheroes. Their story and how she overcomes her challenges and remains positive while caring for her three children with special needs is incredible. Finally, we meet Padraig Beasley, whose cheery disposition and good humour while receiving treatment for Neuroblastoma (twice) is truly uplifting, heart-warming and an absolute inspiration to see. Ireland’s Forgotten Families’ is set to air on Virgin Media Three, Thursday April 21st at 9pm.