Founder of LauraLynn Children’s Hospice, Jane McKenna, who experienced the death of her two daughters within two years, will share her story of loss at a public bereavement evening in the Alexander Hotel, Fenian Street, Dublin 2 on November 5th.
To coincide with the national month of remembrance, The Irish Hospice Foundation, with support from Fanagans funeral directors, is hosting ‘Living with Loss’ – a free information event.
Every year 29,000 people in Ireland die, and on average ten people are directly affected by a death. This event aims to open up a discussion on bereavement and to inform members of the public of the range of supports available.
Jane will discuss her own personal experience of loss. Sixteen years ago Jane and her husband Brendan endured unimaginable tragedy when they received the news that their eldest daughter Lynn had Leukaemia; just one day later Laura, their other daughter aged 4, died following heart surgery. Lynn died as a result of her illness just two years later. The couple managed to plough their grief into something positive and undertook a major fundraising campaign to develop the hospice in their daughters’ names. Jane’s book ‘Laura and Lynn’s story – living in the shadow of their smiles’ was launched on October 22nd this year.
This event begins at 5.30pm and a range of voluntary bereavement services will be available to talk to members of the public about the range of supports they offer.
Clinical psychologist Dr Susan Delaney, Bereavement Services Manager at the Irish Hospice Foundation will also provide practical advice on coping with bereavement.
Orla Keegan, Head of Education, Research and Bereavement Services with the Irish Hospice Foundation said: “November is traditionally a month where we remember those who have died. This event on November 5th allows people who are living with loss to come together in the act of remembering. We are delighted to have Jane McKenna as our guest speaker and thank her for so generously sharing with us. We hope that the evening will be both informative and a source of solace to those attending .”
Tea and coffee will be served at the event which will close at 8.30pm.
If you have any queries or would like further information please contact Iris Murray, Irish Hospice Foundation, 4th Floor, Morrison Chambers, 32 Nassau Street, Dublin 2, telephone: 01 6793188 Fax: 01 6730040, email:
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