The team at Ashford Estate has announced that it has almost doubled its fundraising target for the children’s cancer charity Hand in Hand. In 2017 the team set itself an ambitious target of raising €7,000 for the worthy cause, and over 12 months of fundraising they collected an impressive total of €11,998.44.

A variety of events and challenges were taken on by the team to raise these funds, including a sponsored 5km run through the estate (€800), the staff Christmas party raffle (€1,800), and €3,000 through online donations, a quiz night and a daring Ashford skydive challenge. Staff member Marie Karner from the House-Keeping team alone raised €555 by running the Dublin City Marathon last October. Guests at The Lodge at Ashford Castle also chipped in to the tune of €4,752.

“We are immensely proud of the team for their incredible fundraising efforts for Hand In Hand. To almost double our initial target is fantastic but not surprising as our team here on the Estate always gives 110 per cent!” said Niall Rochford, General Manager at Ashford Estate. “The generosity of our guests must be noted too, it was wonderful to see so many visitors from around the country and indeed, around the world, support our staff and the charity in this way.”

The money raised will be put to great use. Established in 2006, Hand in Hand offers practical supports to the families of children undergoing cancer treatment, including childcare, preparing family meals, and domestic cleaning, not to mention some much-needed emotional support during an incredibly difficult time. Originally working with families in the West of Ireland, the charity has since expanded nationwide in the face of high demand across the country.

“We are just thrilled to accept this wonderful donation at Hand In Hand and are so grateful to everyone who helped in the fundraising,” said Hand in Hand’s Jennifer Carpenter. “The commitment by the team on the Ashford Estate is very much appreciated by everyone here at the charity but mostly, and most importantly, by the children who use our services and their families who will benefit from this support.”

To donate or discover more about their great work, visit Handinhand.ie.