Signed sports artefacts to raise funds for Cope
Youghal-based Peter Geary’s three year old daughter Paige has been supported by Cope’s Children’s Disability Network Team (CDNT) in Midleton since she was seven months old.
Pete explained: “We were told that her quality of life would be very poor but Cope Foundation helped in every way from walking to talking, things we were told she would never do. Now she is the liveliest person in the room and we attribute the work of the Cope Foundation’s Children’s Disability Network Team with her progress.
“We want to show how grateful we are and we also want to highlight the importance of early intervention. It means the world to my wife Jamie and I about giving back as Paige wouldn’t be the little woman she is today without support from all the Midleton team.”
In December 2023, Peter came up with the idea of organising a fundraising event called Memorabilia Madness.
He began reaching out to sports clubs for signed jerseys and has been overwhelmed by the response, particularly from the local community.
“Thanks to the generosity and kindness of businesses in Youghal and East Cork, the idea has taken off and now we have a huge range of prizes to giveaway. Everything from nail vouchers, hotel stays, food vouchers – there’s a prize to suit everyone. Paige is such a character, and the name ‘Madness’ suits her to a tee as she keeps us and her three sisters entertained and on our toes.”
Cope Foundation is the lead agency for three CDNTs in Cork. The CDNTs provide direct supports and interventions for children, young people and their families in the home, clinic or other important community environments such as schools.
There are 1,184 children and young people with complex disability needs receiving or waiting for support and interdisciplinary interventions from the three CDNTs.
Caoimhe Dillon, Cope Foundation's Children's Disability Network Manager – East Central Cork said: “The East Central Cork CDNT are extremely grateful to Peter and his family for their generosity and kindness.
“Funds raised will support the purchasing of vital equipment and resources to ensure our work can empower and enable children, young people and their families, long into the future. I encourage anyone in the East Cork area and beyond to get behind Peter and his family.
“They are doing an incredible thing for Cope Foundation and for the families who access services through the East Central Cork CDNT.”
To celebrate, Peter is hosting a family fun day in Youghal Soccer Club on Saturday 22 June followed by the raffle which takes place that evening in Hennessy’s Bar in Youghal.
One entry for the raffle is €5 and can be purchased in selected businesses in Youghal and surrounding areas, this week until Saturday 22 June.
Other prizes up for grabs include a signed Jake O’Brien Lyon FC jersey, two tickets for a Manchester United match, two tickets for the Munster vs All Blacks match, signed Spike O’Sullivan and Steve Collins boxing gloves and a range of signed football and hurling jerseys from county teams from all over Ireland including Cork, Kerry, Tipperary, Kilkenny, Clare and Galway.
For the full list of prizes and where tickets can be purchased, visit idonate.ie/fundraiser/TeamPaige.