This raffle has been organised in memory of Shaun Walsh and began with his sister, Jenny Walsh, furniture designer, offering a cabinet as a prize. As word spread in design circles of her plans, many of her colleagues and contemporaries donated pieces of their own work in support of the initiative. As a result, the retail value of the items in the raffle is in excess of €7,000 and growing.
Speaking of her brother, Jenny said "My brother Shaun was one of the bravest people I’ve ever known. Being born with Cystic Fibrosis, he had more medical issues and spent more time in hospital than most of us can imagine. Despite everything he went through, I don’t think I ever once heard him complain."
"We were so blessed to have had him in our lives and hope that by contributing towards Cystic Fibrosis research we are honouring his memory while helping others who are still fighting for every breath to get the chance of a better life" Walsh added.
Some of the raffle prizes which will be exhibited and won
Martha Lynn has provided a beautiful hat from her millinery collections, Eily O'Connell has donated a crab necklace and a pair of acorn earrings, while Saba Jewellery have given an Aesop's Fable necklace. A whole host of other designers have given their handmade creations which spread across fashion and accessories and design, as well as furniture design and photography and printing.
Tickets can be purchased through www.designforliferaffle.com for just €5 or 3 for €10. All of the work will be exhibited in the Irish Design Shop, RHA Gallery, Ely Place, Dublin from the 1st – 7th June with the prize draw taking place on June 7th. The organisers of this event are hoping €10,000 for this great cause.
Shaun’s family are honoured that so many talented artists and designers have donated handmade award winning work to this raffle in his memory. Their generosity will hopefully lead to raising much-needed funds for Cystic Fibrosis research.
