Our Patrons

The scope of work carried out by Cliona’s Foundation’s is one-of-a-kind. While many charities focus on children’s illnesses and their welfare, Cliona’s Foundation uniquely provides financial help with non-medical costs.

These can amount to significant sums as Brendan and Terry know very well. Over the years, as Brendan & Terry’s daughter Cliona, underwent numerous hospital treatments for her brain tumour, the couple were struck by the number of families facing enormous financial hardship. Blind-sided by all the non-medical expenses associated with a sick child, they saw at first-hand the enormous toll and additional stress it took on families, already struggling with the nightmare of having a seriously ill child. Following Cliona’s tragic death, they turned their tragedy into positive action and started fundraising to help those less fortunate families.

Cliona’s Foundation Patron

“I am genuinely touched by the work that Cliona’s Foundation undertakes and very pleased to be the charity’s first Patron. Brendan and Terry are a genuinely inspiring couple who have turned their personal tragedy into making a difference to families who have a sick child by helping to ease the financial burden, during what must be an enormously traumatic and stressful time.”

Miriam O’Callaghan, Cliona’s Foundation’ first ever patron

Our Ambassadors

Davy Russell Jockey

“I am delighted to be able to promote and support the work that Cliona’s Foundation does, they are an amazing organization helping out so many families who do not have anywhere else to turn for support. “

Dr. Sinead KaneEndurance Athlete, Lawyer,Motivational Speaker

“Given the support that I have received throughout my life I think it is very important to be able to give something back to others who may need it in any way I can. The non medical expenses of caring for a sick child can bring families already struggling to their knees. I am privileged to be able to give whatever support I can to Cliona’s to help these families”

Shane Dowling Limerick and Na Piarsaigh Hurler

“What Terry and Brendan do, on their own time in memory of their daughter Cliona, to try and help other families to ensure that they won’t have the same financial burden that they endured, is just amazing and inspirational. I have spoken about it before, hurling is a sport, family is your family. It is very upsetting to see some families trying to cope with seriously sick children, and it puts everything else into perspective.”

Joy Neville International Rugby Referee & Former Irish Rugby Captaiin

“Life is already difficult enough for the families of critically ill children without battling financial difficulties too. Unfortunately, many of them do. Parents who live outside Dublin and visit their sick child in a Dublin hospital can spend as much as €200 a day between travel expenses, petrol, parking and meals. That’s where Cliona’s Foundation comes in; they work to ease the burden on families who are already pushed to their limit.”

TJ Ryan Limerick Hurling

“Cliona’s Foundation started off in Limerick, but they now help families all over Ireland. They are a real success story, and I’m proud to do my part to help them.”