Local man braving the Smithfield Tower Drop for Ronald McDonald House

Local man Alan Kennedy will be among 100 brave souls abseiling from the top of Dublin's Smithfield Tower in aid of a very deserving cause.

He has signed up for the Smithfield Tower Drop, a 190ft descent from one of the capital's most iconic landmarks. Alan, who lives in Ballywilliam with his wife Elaine and children Clodagh and Luca, is taking on the challenge in aid of Ronald McDonald House, a charity group that provides accommodation and a caring, supportive environment for families whose children are undergoing medical treatment at Children's Health Ireland (CHI), Crumlin.

“Clodagh was born in 2015 and was immediately transferred to Crumlin children's hospital,” he explained. “Having spent some months in Ronald McDonald House after Clodagh was born, and again when back for surgery, we know how vital the facility is to families from all over the country. Please support me if you can in raising funds for this terrific charity.”

Each night, 20 families stay at Ronald McDonald House while a sick child is receiving treatment at CHI, Crumlin. Away from home and their known comforts, the house provides the home from home so that the families can concentrate on what matters most - their sick child.

Ronald McDonald House believes that some of the best medicine is family when, it is available. The charity provider is appealing for donations to help it to keep families close.

Alan took the opportunity to thank everyone who has donated so far. Donations are still being accepted ahead of the big Smithfield Tower Drop on April 28. They can be made online at https://rmhc.enthuse.com/pf/alan-kennedy or by visiting the Ronald McDonald House Charities Ireland website, www.rmhc.ie.