Kildare's Barretstown launches new high ropes course for children
The course was introduced with support from the Tom Cunningham Trust
Barretstown, Ireland’s leading provider of psychosocial care for children affected by cancer and other serious illnesses, yesterday launched a new high ropes course at its campus in Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare.
The new course has been possible through a significant donation from the Tom Cunningham Trust and will support Barretstown’s therapeutic recreation programmes for children and families affected by serious illness.
Barretstown ambassador and Leinster Rugby player Fintan Gunne joined CEO Dee Ahearn, representatives of the Tom Cunningham Trust and campers to mark the opening.
Barretstown’s programmes help children and young people affected by serious illness build confidence, resilience, and connection in a safe, medically supported environment, as part of its mission to rebuild the lives of children and families through therapeutic camps and programmes.
Founded by Paul Newman in 1994, Barretstown has supported more than 150,000 children and family members. Its services are provided free of charge and supported by 24/7 medical care at its Kildare campus.
Commenting at the launch, Dee Ahearn, CEO of Barretstown, said: “We are delighted to officially open this new addition to Barretstown’s campus and are deeply grateful to the Tom Cunningham Trust for helping make it possible and to the Barretstown Youth Board who collaborated on the design.
“Support of this kind enables us to continue enhancing our services and delivering therapeutic programmes to families completely free of charge. Seeing campers and families take part today is a powerful reminder of Barretstown’s mission: to help children affected by serious illness rediscover joy, confidence, and childhood in a safe and supportive environment.”
Fintan Gunne, Leinster Rugby player and Barretstown ambassador, added: “I am delighted to help launch this new facility at Barretstown. The work carried out here has a meaningful impact on children and families who have faced very difficult experiences.
“This brilliant addition to the campus will give campers the opportunity to challenge themselves, build confidence and enjoy a real sense of achievement.”