PRESS RELEASE

31st May 2012

Immediate release

THE IRISH HOSPICE FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES €131,000 RAISED IN CHARITY DRIVE FOR

SERIOUSLY ILL CHILDREN

The Irish Hospice Foundation (IHF) announced today (31st May) that AXA staff have raised €131,000 for the IHF’s Children’s Hospice Home Care programme – 30% more than its original target for the year. The announcement came at an award ceremony in Dublin’s Mansion House to honour the fundraising efforts of AXA Branch Staff countrywide who raised the most funds during the year.

AXA launched its partnership with the IHF in May 2011 and set a target of €100,000. Thanks to the fundraising efforts of its staff in 43 branches nationwide, €131,000 has been raised. The partnership is extended until May 2013 and a Corporate Social Responsibility week is being organised by the company next month (June 2012) when more of the fundraising events will take place.

Some 1,400 children live with life-limiting conditions in Ireland today and there are 350 child deaths each year – most in the first year of life. AXA’s funding is being used to support the IHF’s work for children with life-limiting conditions. This work involves funding Ireland’s first Consultant Paediatrician with a special interest in palliative care and funding a team of five out of eight Children’s Outreach Nurses – four will be in place by next month.

Staff fundraisers from AXA branches in Tullamore, Mullingar, Cavan/Monaghan and Finglas were honoured for their efforts for raising significant funds for the IHF’s programme.

John O’Neill, CEO of AXA, stated: “Our staff have shown tremendous commitment to our partnership with the Irish Hospice Foundation and exceeded their target for 2012. We hope to continue this success with The Irish Hospice Foundation and to harness the talents and compassion of our workforce in the interests of vulnerable families who want to care for their children at home. ”

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Sharon Foley, CEO of the IHF, commented: “During this economic downturn, it is very impressive that staff have managed to not only reach their target but to comprehensivelyexceed it. This did not happen by accident. It is the result of thorough planning and hard work. This mammoth effort by AXA staff will ensure that the dedicated service for seriously ill children and their families will continue to be developed throughout the country.”

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For more information, please contact:

Caroline Lynch,

Head of Communications and Advocacy,

The Irish Hospice Foundation

Tel: 087-123 75 86 or