Cliona’s Foundation is a Limerick based charity that provides financial assistance nationwide towards the non-medical costs that families face while their child has a life-limiting illness. Non-medical costs are any expense that families face while their child is in hospital, which could include costs such as fuel, parking, accommodation, but also the costs they will continue to face at home – mortgage, heat, gas, electricity bills.

Cliona’s Foundation was set up by Terry and Brendan Ring in 2007. They set up the charity in honour of their daughter, Cliona who sadly passed away at the end of 2006. She was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour back in 1998. Between 1998 and 2006, Terry and Brendan went through what a lot families go through in Ireland, and that is not only dealing with the trauma of having a seriously sick child, but also dealing with all the expenses that come with it.

When Cliona was diagnosed, Terry had to give her job as a PA. Brendan had to step away from his business to spend all his time with Cliona. For a lot of families that Cliona’s helps, this is the unfortunate scenario for them. Both parents usually have no choice but to give up their jobs to spend all their time with their seriously sick child. This means that there is no income coming in for these families and that is when the stress/anxiety can be at its highest.

Since its launch in 2007, Cliona has helped over 1,200 families nationwide.