Center Parcs Longford Forest announces LauraLynn as new charity partner

Center Parcs has announced that LauraLynn, Ireland’s Children’s Hospice will be its new charity partner in Ireland. 

LauraLynn is Ireland’s only children’s hospice providing palliative, hospice care and support for children with life-limiting conditions and their families. The team provides a range of services including symptom management for children, music and play therapy, psychological support, family and sibling camps, short breaks, crisis care and end-of-life care.  The initial two-year partnership will see colleagues at Center Parcs Longford Forest raising much-needed funds through various charity and fundraising events and donations, as well as offering breaks for families of LauraLynn so they can make the most of special moments together.  As part of the new partnership, the Leonard family – who LauraLynn has supported for almost two years - were given the opportunity to visit Longford Forest and take full advantage of Winter Wonderland, which opened to guests this week.  

Melissa and Colm Leonard were referred to LauraLynn as their six-year-old daughter Nova has an advanced heart and lung condition. Nova has benefited from LauraLynn’s  hospice care, along with her family, and visits on respite breaks where she enjoys music therapy, arts and crafts, and spends time playing in the sensory playground.  Melissa said: “Colm, Nova and I have had the most amazing stay at Center Parcs over the last two days. This is truly a magical place and Nova has enjoyed every second. The team really take time to plan your stay based on your goals and that’s exactly how the LauraLynn team approach stays at LauraLynn as well.  

Kerry McLaverty, LauraLynn CEO , said: “We are absolutely thrilled to announce our partnership with Center Parcs. At LauraLynn we strive every day to enable families to spend time together, making special memories to last a lifetime and that is exactly what Center Parcs does for families when they stay at Longford Forest.  Daragh Feighery, Village Director at Longford Forest, said: “We’re delighted that LauraLynn will be our new charity partner. Our ethos of bringing families together is perfectly aligned with the values of LauraLynn, who work to help children and families make the most of special moments together by providing care and support. We look forward to the partnership getting underway and supporting them in every way we can over the next two years.” 

To find out more about LauraLynn Ireland’s Children’s Hospice, visit:https://www.lauralynn.ie/