Our Journey
Since 2017, Galway Sick Kids Foundation has been on a mission to make hospital stays a little easier for children and families across the West of Ireland. This is our story.
Key Milestones Through the Years.
From a first board meeting in 2017 to funding life-changing equipment at University Hospital Galway, scroll through the moments that have defined Galway Sick Kids Foundation and shaped our impact across the West of Ireland.
The Seed of an Idea
Under the tagline 'Kids in Need', Galway Sick Kids Foundation held its first board meeting on 31st June 2017, establishing trustees Denise Holland (Chair), Paula Flanaghan Tyrell (Treasurer), Therese Allen (Vice-Treasurer) and Eoin O'Grady (Vice-Chair).
Raised: €6,435Officially Recognised as a Registered Charity
Meeting the requirements of the Charity Regulator, we were proudly recognised as a registered charity in April 2018 under Charity Registration No. 20161019. Vital support from Galway schools helped fuel our early momentum.
Raised: €17,517Official Launch & First Partnership
GSKF was officially launched in November 2019. We announced a partnership with Knocknacarra Football Club and welcomed new trustees Colm Kennelly (Vice-Treasurer) and Yvonne Carpenter. MedSoc raised €9k. Our first funded project upgraded the children's bathroom with state-of-the-art equipment.
Raised: €33,735Resilience Through the Pandemic
Like many charities, our fundraising was impacted by COVID-19. Despite this, over 36 months we raised €64,859 through the dedication of our community — including Galway Motorcycle Club (€7.5k), Scoil Sailearna 10K Walk (€5.3k) and Galway Atlantaquaria (€5k). The board was now led by Colm Kennelly (Chair) with Denise Holland (Vice-Chair), Therese Allen (Treasurer) and Yvonne Carpenter (Vice-Treasurer).
Raised: €64,859A Year of Extraordinary Community Spirit
Our inaugural Charity Ball in February saw Saoirse Ruane (RIP) presented with the GSKF Bravery Award. The Walk for Baby Kayla raised €45k. Sing for Saoirse raised €60.5k. We were also awarded the Mayor's Award for Children and Youth Support Charity Category.
Raised: €166,606New Leadership & Growing Partnerships
Dr Ethel Ryan joined as new Chair and Julie-Anne De Brún joined as Trustee for PR. Our second ball, sponsored by Aerogen, presented the Bravery Award to Liam Mac an tSaoi. Corporate partners included Ben Richardson (€5k), Aerogen (€10k) and Revive Active (€5k).
Raised: €116,488Expanding Our Impact
We welcomed two new trustees — Ciara Fitzsimons and Victoria Bohan. Our third ball raised €36.6k. The Glanua Golf Classic raised €28.3k, Wildlands contributed €18.5k and Medtronic Mervue raised €8.6k. Aerogen continued their generous sponsorship of the Ball.
Raised: €107,000New Chapters Begin
Our first-ever Fashion Show in March raised €12k. Founding trustees Denise Holland and Therese Allen stepped down after nine incredible years but continue as volunteers. Aoife Plekker joined as Treasurer. MedSoc raised €9k.
Raised: €12,000+