Doyle Family Support Fund

In memory of Christopher Doyle

Laois Community rally together to support the bereaved Doyle family

On the 1Oth of June, 37 year old Christopher Doyle passed away suddenly and tragically at his home in Portlaoise, changing the lives of his loving wife Michelle, and their 7 beautiful children forever.

Chris was a proud and devoted father. He lived for his 7 children: twin sons aged 7, a son aged 6, twin son and daughter aged 5, and twin son and daughter aged 4. When his eldest sons were diagnosed as having special needs, acute learning difficulties and multiple disabilities, Chris gave up work to become a full-time carer. Ireland’s Dad of the Year in 2013, Chris did as every loving Dad does: he kissed sore knees, sat up with them when they were sick, played and laughed, helped his children navigate life’s difficulties. He was an ever-present hands-on support: grocery shopping, school runs, helping with the bedtime routine.

Chris’s wife Michelle is an awe-inspiring woman – loving, strong and capable. She and Chris were partners in every sense of the word, and were looking forward to renewing their wedding vows this coming August. She adores their children, each a unique and joyous blessing. With 7 children under the age of 8, Michelle runs a tight ship: 7 pairs of shoes and 7 packed schoolbags lined in the hallway before school.

Michelle’s initial shock was quickly replaced by an unrelenting grief, heightened by her worries for the uncertainty to come. She worries about their children, their grief, what their lives will be without their father. She worries about their day to day lives, who will take them to the garden to play football while she gets the dinner ready? Who will be the one who dries and dresses while she washes at bath time? Needing more than a 7-seater, the school run requires 2 cars, 2 drivers. How will they get to school in September?

The news of Chris’s passing sent a ripple of shock and sadness through our close-knit community. The people of Laois will rally to support this family, these children. There is nothing we can do that will replace all that this family has lost, but there is so much we can do to make their lives a little easier.

A group of local parents have come together aiming to raise enough money to buy a 9-seater car that can easily accommodate the Doyle family.

And for this, we need your support.

Any and all help is greatly appreciated.