Cavan Fire Service joins the fight against childhood cancer

Cavan County Fire Service, acting on behalf of the National Retained Firefighters’ Association (NRFA), will hold a bucket collection day on Market Square, Cavan Town this Saturday, August 31, in support of the NRFA’s chosen charity, Aoibheann’s Pink Tie.

Aoibheann’s Pink tie is Ireland’s national childhood cancer charity and provides financial and practical support for children and their families battling cancer. In particular, the NRFA is aiming to fund overnight and long-term stay facilities for parents facing into this incredibly difficult time in their lives.

Aoibheann’s Pink Tie was set up in 2010 by Mick Rochford and Jimmy Norman after the tragic loss of Jimmy’s daughter Aoibheann to cancer aged just 8 years. During Aoibheann’s year-long battle with this dreadful disease, the family found little or no financial or practical support for children and their families.

When Aoibheann passed away, the men wore pink ties at the funeral, as pink was Aoibheann’s favourite colour. The charity was formed in her memory to remedy the lack of support for other children and their families going through treatment.

Co-Founder of Aoibheann’s Pink Tie Jimmy Norman said: “It's an absolute honour for me and everyone at Aoibheann’s Pink Tie to have the support of the firefighters of Ireland. It’s phenomenal – we are completely overwhelmed.”

Aoibheann’s Pink Tie offers practical support to the families of children diagnosed with cancer and who are attending St John’s Oncology Ward in Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital. Focused on children attending the only treatment centre for childhood cancer in Ireland, the charity supports the complete family unit, including parents and siblings who may not understand what is happening to their brother or sister.

Cavan County Fire Service’s bucket collection in aid of Aoibheann’s Pink tie will take place in Market Square, Cavan Town on Saturday, August 31.