A LIMERICK charity and a local building company have come together to create a dream garden for a very brave little girl who is battling with multiple health difficulties.
Nine-year old Faith Browne was born with cerebral palsy, epilepsy and hearing loss. She had a cochlear implant in 2015 and travelled to the USA in 2017 for neurological surgery. In January 2022, she had major reconstructive surgery for hip and foot socket problems.
Faith is immobile, requires regular physiotherapy and relies on her brightly decorated wheelchair with its butterfly adorned wheels to get around.
Despite her limitations, challenges and regular medical appointments, Faith is a bright and bubbly young girl, who meets everyone with a smile and has fun at every opportunity. She lights up every gathering she attends.
She loves to be outdoors but recently had a fall on the concrete in her family garden and this prompted her parents, Lisa and Dave to investigate closing off a small area at the back of their house for Faith to enjoy outdoor space without the fear of getting hurt.
They were even willing to sell their family car to cover the costs, but when Limerick-based charity, Cliona’s Foundation, heard about the problem they took things in hand.
A unique national organisation providing financial support for families caring for a child with a life-limiting illness, the foundation was set up by Brendan and Terry Ring following the death of their daughter Cliona from an inoperable brain tumour in 2006, aged 15.
Cliona’s contacted Conack Construction, who had previously expressed their interest in supporting the foundation, and were thrilled when managing directors Tom O’Connor and Kieran Cusack immediately came to the rescue.
Conack have agreed to donate their resources to build a beautiful, safe garden area for Faith, and plans are now underway with Conack and their designers, Healy & Partners Architects to have the garden ready for Faith and her family to enjoy this summer.
Tom Conack said: “We’re over the moon to be in a position to utilise our experience and contacts for such a worthwhile cause. Having met Faith, her mam Lisa, dad Dave, and her sister Lydia I am humbled by their strength and resilience.”
Co-Founder of Cliona’s Foundation Terry Ring was delighted to be at Faith’s family home for the meeting with Conack and said: “I commend the team at Conack for their extraordinary generosity and I am so looking forward to seeing the finished garden. This is something very special.”
Cliona’s Foundation expects at least 200 families will apply for financial assistance this year and will need to raise a minimum of €500,000 to meet these applications. To learn more and to help visit clionas.ie
Suppliers and subcontractors who wish to get involved, should email swalsh@conack.ie or pshinners@conack.ie
