Saoírse Ruane first captured the nation's heart when she appeared on The Late Late Toy Show in 2020, where her courage inspired viewers across Ireland to contribute over 6 million to the first RTÉ Toy Show Appeal. When Saoírse passed away in March 2025 at just 12 years old, that same spirit of generosity surged once again. Her parents Roseanna and Ollie, supported by Community Foundation Ireland, established the Saoírse Ruane Transformative Grant to ensure her legacy of compassion continues to support families facing unimaginable challenges.
The Saoírse Ruane Transformative Grant has been created to honour Saoírse's memory and the profound impact she had on so many. Through this €140,000 grant, to Jack & Jill Children's Foundation's, Age Extension to Seven Years Project, Saoírse's spirit continues to support families facing unimaginable challenges, ensuring that no family has to face the journey alone.
Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation - The Age Extension to Seven Years Project
Why This Grant Is Transformative
Jack and Jill supported 539 families in 2024, but care used to stop at age six—leaving families without support during a vulnerable time. Named in honour of Saoírse Ruane, this grant transforms what is possible for families caring for children with complex medical needs at home by extending the age criteria from six to seven years. Beyond the 65 families directly supported, the grant strengthens Jack and Jill’s "Community of Care" model, where trained nurses create a ripple effect that improves care standards nationwide. This demonstrates how strategic expansion of a proven service can deliver both immediate family relief and long-term systemic improvement.
The Critical Need
Jack and Jill support children with complex medical needs, including end-of-life care regardless of diagnosis. In 2024, the charity supported 539 families, delivering over 129,000 hours of care. However, families previously faced an abrupt cut-off at age six—a critical time when children still require intensive support, but formal services may not yet be in place. This gap left families without the "lifeline" they had come to depend on.
What the Grant Will Enable
In June 2025, as a direct result of The Saoírse Ruane Transformative Grant, Jack and Jill extended its age criteria to include children up to seven years old. As of September 2025, this extension became a permanent part of the service enabling:
- Continuity of care: 65 families now receive up to 20 extra hours of care per month, preventing disruption during a vulnerable stage.
- 15,600 additional hours: Between June 2025 and June 2026, approximately 15,600 hours of additional care will be delivered.
- Empowered family care: Trusted relationships between nurses and families enable parents to confidently manage complex medical care at home, including medication administration, suctioning, and tube feeding.
- Ripple effect: Jack and Jill’s core nursing team trains local community nurses and supports family self-care programmes, improving care standards across Ireland.
The Impact
Parents describe Jack and Jill’s service as a "lifeline" or "gift of time." The extension to age seven meets growing demand and provides stability when families need it most. The community-driven "Community of Care" model—where local support and generosity ensure children receive vital care at home—reflects the heart of Jack and Jill’s mission: keeping the child and family at the centre of everything. This transformative funding ensures expert, compassionate care continues to reach families across Ireland.
"The Saoírse Ruane Transformative Grant is indeed transformative—a literal game-changer for 65 Jack and Jill families in communities across Ireland. This grant will unlock approximately 15,600 hours of additional care between June 2025 and June 2026, enabling us to extend our service up to seven years of age. I have been heartened by messages of appreciation from parent carers who have shared stories of the meaningful difference this extra year of support from Jack and Jill will make for their family. On behalf of Jack and Jill, our Board and our wonderful families, a huge thank you to Roseanna, Ollie and Community Foundation Ireland for nominating Jack and Jill for this truly fantastic opportunity."
Deirdre Walsh, CEO, Jack & Jill Children's Foundation
