The Middleton family from Ringaskiddy will once again lighten the workload of the ‘Easter Bunny’, by distributing chocolate eggs to the sick and vulnerable children around Cork and Dublin.
The appeal, which has been running since 2011, was started by Michael and Catherine Middleton from Ringaskiddy. Their son, Liam, was diagnosed with liver disease in February 2010. Liam spent time in Cork University Hospital and Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital Crumlin. When his condition deteriorated, Liam, who will soon be aged 15, was airlifted by Government jet to Kings College Hospital, London. Here, he received lifesaving surgery.
Touched by the level of care and support their son received while in hospital, Michael and Catherine wanted to say, ‘Thank You’! Hence, they started the Easter Egg Appeal, and to date they have collected almost 16,000 eggs to give to children in hospitals across Cork and Dublin. Over time the eggs have also been handed out to special needs schools, Cope Foundation and many other charities.
Glaxosmithkline, a local pharmaceutical company in Currabinny, where Michael himself works, have got on board once again this year. They donate €1000 every single year in order to purchase Easter eggs and they also provide a stand, where employees can leave Easter eggs for the appeal. Usually this results in the workers contributing 400 eggs annually. Some of Michael’s co-workers also don doctor and nurse outfits and accompany the ‘Easter Bunny’, putting on a show for the children in the local hospitals, along with the Cope Foundation. It is something that the GSK staff look forward to every year. Other local companies, RCI and Otterbox do a rally around the workplace each year themselves and subsequently donate a large amount of eggs between them. RCI have marked it in their calendar as a yearly event and each year their target is to exceed the amount collected from the previous year.
The Middleton family are calling on the people of Cork to avail of the 3 for €5 offer for Easter eggs, that are in many of the local shops. They are also asking for cuddly toys for the children who are not able to eat chocolate. The family themselves, along with the help of the ‘Easter Bunny’ and his helpers, will be distributing the eggs to children’s wards at CUH, Mercy University Hospital, South Infirmary, Bons Secours, Crumlin and Templestreet Hospitals. They will also be going to Cope Foundation, schools, residential units, Cork Deaf Association, Enable Ireland, Children’s Leukaemia, Mná Fease, Rebel Wheelers, Irish Guide Dogs, Brothers of Charity, Sonas Special School, Shine Autism Centre, St. Gabriel’s School, Edel House, Ronald McDonald, JBC Centre and Homeless Drive.
Eggs can be dropped off at various local points, which include: The Carrigdhoun Newspaper, Man O Mano Barbershop, Imij Hair Salon, Crosshaven, Fitzy’s Bar, Crosshaven, The Douglas Post, Iona Appliances, Frankfield, Kool Kidz, Shanbally and TruColour Paints, Carrigaline.
Catherine says, “A special mention also goes to David Collins of Collins’ Supervalu Carrigaline, who kindly supply us with the generously discounted Easter eggs that we purchase, using funding from GSK.”
Catherine also thanked the Carrigaline Court Hotel who generously donated 500 Easter eggs to the appeal.
Shanbally National School are also helping out, with each pupil being asked to donate an egg, while Crosshaven Brownies have also asked their members to bring an Easter egg.
The Middleton family can be contacted on 087-1218152, or through their Facebook page: Cork Children’s Easter Egg Appeal.
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