Celebrate 30 years of Barretstown at their special gala this September

Team IMAGE recently took a trip down to Barretstown Castle in Co. Kildare where we got a first-hand look at the charity’s facilities (and helped plant a few trees too). From arts and crafts workshops to theatre performances and so much more, the grounds are a true haven for children and their families – and that magic is palpable from the moment you arrive.

Funded by actor and philanthropist Paul Newman in 1994, Barretstown provides essential therapeutic camps and programmes, supported by 24/7 medical care at its 500-acre campus in Co. Kildare. Serving children affected by cancer and other serious illnesses (along with their families), they’ve welcomed over 120,000 campers since they first opened their gates in the early 90s. This year marks their most ambitious yet with plans to accommodate close to 22,000 visitors through Residential Programmes at Barretstown and Outreach

Hospitals treat the illness, but Barretstown treats the child and their mission centres on improving confidence and self-esteem and providing children with the skills they need to face the rest of their journey to recovery.

The Barretstown programme is also endorsed by leading medical professionals and has become internationally recognised as having a profound and lasting impact on the lives of children with serious illness.

Last year, it cost Barretstown €8 million to run their therapeutic camps and programmes. Children and families don’t pay a cent to attend or stay there so funding is dependent on HSE support and donations from the public. Hoping to drum up as much sponsorship as possible, they have a number of key fundraising events organised throughout the year, culminating in their 30th-anniversary gala. 

Taking place on Saturday, September 14, the celebratory gala will be held in the RDS in Dublin and is expected to be a very fun night out with special entertainment, musical performances and more than a few famous faces. Historically, these gala events have been key fundraisers for Barretstown, drawing significant attendance and support from the community. Angela Scanlon will be on hand to MC.

To support this initiative or for more information on attending the gala, you can visit the official Barretstown website or contact their event organisers. The funds raised from these events are crucial for continuing the camp’s mission of providing free, medically supported programs to children and their families.

barretstown.org