Barretstown Charity Help Sick Kids have Fun

Barretstown Charity Help Sick Kids have Fun

Barretstown is a charity for children with serious illnesses where the focus is on 'Serious Fun'. Based at a magical castle in Ballymore Eustace, Co Kildare, Ireland, children aged seven to 17, with cancer, blood disorders and other serious illnesses come from all over Europe to take part in a life-changing programme.

Now Michael O'Dowd, of Atlantic Amusements in Enniscrone, Co Sligo, Ireland, is calling on the amusement industry to join him and adopt Barretstown as its charity. He said: "As our business is all about providing Fun and Entertainment I think it would be fitting that we nominate Barretstown as our main charity.

If operators and arcade owners make individual donations directly to the charity, they should be made payable to Barretstown with the name of their company and Amusement Industry Appeal so that Barretstown can acknowledge all as received from the Amusement Industry."

Michael said: "Children who come to Barretstown have often been traumatised by the experiences of their illness. The rigorous treatment regimes have taken their toll on their bodies, their families and their psychological well-being.

They have often missed out on normal childhood experiences such as making friends, gaining independence and exercising their own choices. Backed by medical experts, the programme is seen as an integral component in helping with a child's recovery."

"It would be great if the Amusement Industry, as one group, could support this extremely worthwhile cause." The children at Barretstown take part in a range of arts, adventure and fun activities at the centre in Ballymore Eustace, Co Kildare from performing on stage and climbing the 40ft giant's tower, to fishing, horse riding, photography and pottery.

As their families, their hospital consultants and the children themselves testify, the result of a stay at Barretstown is increased self-esteem, improved self-image, greater tolerance, understanding and new coping skills to help them deal with the challenges of their illness.