TV host and award-winning chef Donal Skehan asks County Kildare to celebrate the 16th Annual Great Irish Bake for Sick Children

Irish chef and TV presenter Donal Skehan returns to launch Children's Health Foundation (CHF)'s 16th Annual Great Irish Bake for Sick Children, which will be sponsored by Gem.

Donal was joined by Children’s Health Ireland star patient Freddie Munnelly aged eight, to get this sweet celebration started. 

Freddie, Donal, and the CHF are inviting supporters of all ages to celebrate the Great Irish Bake’s 'Sweet Sixteen' by taking part on or around Friday, March 22, 2024 and raise vital funds to support sick children and their families in Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin, Temple Street, Tallaght and Connolly.

You can host a delightful afternoon tea party, a competitive cupcake decorating contest, or a bustling bake sale to raise funds and spread joy at your Great Irish Bake fundraiser. 

Commenting on this year’s Great Irish Bake for Sick Children, Donal said: "One of my favourite things growing up was a bake sale and gathering over treats and tea with friends, knowing your tasty bakes support sick children when they need it most, is what makes the Great Irish Bake such a brilliant event.

"It's easy to join in, arrange a bake sale, a coffee morning or donate and the best part is knowing you're making a huge difference in the lives of kids all across Ireland."

He added: "I've seen first hand the incredible work Children's Health Ireland does and it's such an important cause."

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Bobby Mulligan, Managing Director of Gem, also commented: "Gem is delighted to return as the sponsor of the Great Irish Bake for Sick Children for 2024 and are thrilled to support Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin, Temple Street, Connolly and Tallaght.

"Having been involved in this event for a number of years now, we know the difference this campaign makes to the 300,000 sick children that pass through the doors of Children’s Health Ireland’s hospitals each year by funding life-saving equipment and so much more with the generous donations from participants.

"Let’s try and make this year’s event the most successful to date! Let’s host bake sales in our communities and collect donations for this amazing cause!" Bobby added.

With Donal’s help and the support of kind bakers across the nation, the 2023 Great Irish Bake for Sick Children raised over €200,000 helping to provide therapies and family supports, fund new and emerging technologies and life-saving equipment to those who need it the most in Children's Health Ireland hospitals and urgent care centres.   

So, preheat your oven and send out your invites — by taking part in this year’s Great Irish Bake you will be doing something sweet for sick children when they need it most.

Whether you bake Freddie’s favourite recipe, Carrot Cake, or whip up some delicious savoury scones, every single event held this March will make a real difference to families going through the most challenging of times. 

Furthermore, when you register at www.childrenshealth.ie/GreatIrishBake, the CHF will send you their famous Great Irish Bake pack with everything you need to make your event a sweet success.  

The CHF is encouraging people taking part in the Great Irish Bake to share photos on Instagram or Facebook and use the hashtag #GreatIrishBake.

By registering for the campaign and sharing a picture of your decadent baking creations, you could be in with a chance of winning a €1,000 cash prize kindly provided by Gem. 

All funds raised will be put to work where they are needed most across Children’s Health Ireland at Crumlin, Temple Street, Tallaght and Connolly, purchasing vital life-saving equipment and therapies for thousands of sick children.