80,000 raised for Laura Lynn on today’s Livelive as listeners answer couple’s call

Liveline listeners responded with incredible generosity this afternoon on RTÉ Radio 1 when a couple, Dave and Imelda, approached the show and said they would immediately match all donations made by the public to children’s hospice Laura Lynn. Within minutes of the call-out, the surge of donations was so large that the Laura Lynn website crashed, with approximately €1,000 being raised per minute.

By the end of the show, there was €80,000 raised, which, when doubled, becomes €160,000. Donations continued to come in after the programme ended. Dave and Imelda’s goal is to reach €400,000 by end of this week – they have themselves set aside €200,000 for the charity.

Dave said: ‘We felt we’d like to do something. A dying child every parents’ nightmare. We were blown away by these people and the work they do. This is such an important charity.’

Imelda added: ‘One of our girls was in Crumlin hospital for 11 weeks…our daughter played with a little girl in the next room who sadly didn’t make it. A few years ago I saw a documentary on television about Laura Lynn. I stood there frozen, it brought it all back to me. I thought: there by the grace of god go I. We’re trying to bring a bit of relief for parents going through hell.’

A flood of heart-breaking and heart-warming stories about the charity were shared throughout the programme.

One father, John, recalled his family’s experience when their little boy Leo died in 2013: ‘The staff were incredible. It was an astonishing place. We’re eternally grateful.’ He spoke about their meticulous care and attention that meant so much. And his son’s smiles.

Listen to full show here: https://soundcloud.com/rte-radio-1/laura-lynn-on-liveline

Listeners can continue to donate to the Liveline appeal across the week. Details below.

Text LAURALYNN to 50300 to donate €4 to LauraLynn (Text costs €4. LauraLynn will receive a minimum of €3.60)

ALL TERMS AND CONDITIONS CAN BE FOUND ON RTE.IE/LIVELINE AND ON OUR TWITTER PAGE @RTELIVELINE

OR

•       Donate at www.lauralynn.ie/donate
•       Choose your gift amount and check the Joe Duffy Liveline Appeal in the coding box.