Inspiring fundraiser 'Ben for Barretstown' returns for 2023 event

The fundraiser ‘Ben for Barretstown’ is hosting its sixth event to raise money for the Ballymore-based camp for children with cancer and other serious illnesses.

Ben for Barretstown celebrates the life of Ben Wallace, from Caragh, a lovely, kind, positive young man who loved tennis and music and who in his 16 years in this world enriched the lives of so many. 

The charity fundraiser was started by Ben’s mother, Orla Wallace, alongside just 10 women at the VHI Women’s Mini-Marathon in 2017, increasing to over 100 women just two years later. 

Having raised over €80K for Barretstown to-date, the group are delighted to be back in Dublin on June 4, raising more funds so that children with serious illness and their families attend Barretstown free-of-charge. There will be a 10km walk, jog or run for people to participate in.

If you can’t join the group in Dublin, you can take part virtually by sharing a photo of you and/or making a donation. 

Ben was diagnosed with Leukaemia in 2011 at just 12 years of age. He received intensive treatment at Crumlin hospital for four years, and a Bone Marrow Transplant from his amazing sister Ava, giving him more precious time with his family. Ben first experienced the wonder of Barretstown as a camper in 2012 and 2013 and later planned to be a volunteer. 

Orla Wallace said of the event, “Throughout his illness, until he departed this world in 2015, Ben helped Barretstown with fundraising, so it seems fitting that this group continue what he started - bringing fun and laughter to children's lives. Ben’s story is not over. Thank you for helping to write the next chapter, by taking part, donating or sharing.”

Participants in the Ben for Barretstown event carry "Ben Heads" to celebrate Ben’s life in a special tradition that was started eight years ago by his classmates.

When his leukaemia returned in 2015, Ben's dreams for a 'Year of Fun' in Transition Year at school were put on hold as he faced another transplant. His school friends were gutted for him and wanted to do something to cheer him up while he was in hospital. They wanted to bring him on holidays with them, so they did. 

Ben’s friends created a cardboard cut-out of his face to take photos of him with them at TY graduation, on their holidays and so the aptly named "Ben Head" was created. His friends set up a group called Where's Wallace, where they planned to post their photos with him, to make him laugh and let him know they were thinking of him. 

Ben saw the first four photos before he passed away in June 2015, aged 16. There were amazing photos initially, and many more have since been added over the years. Ben always wanted to travel the world, and in a way he will thanks to the beloved "Ben Heads". 

Barretstown is an amazing life-affirming ‘adventure camp’ bringing fun and laughter to children with  cancer and serious illness. 

Ben said in 2013 that, "Barretstown just gives you this confidence. I don’t know how they do it,  but that’s the magical thing about Barretstown. It gives you a piece of  yourself back - the piece you lose during your illness.”

Barretstown offers a range of adventurous and challenging activities, such  as zip wires, high ropes, climbing walls, offering a break from hospital treatment, and a chance for  children to escape the loneliness of a serious illness, to make friends and have some fun, all in beautiful surroundings in Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare. 

You can donate at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ben-for-barretstown2023