There are many and varied very worthy causes for which people organise and hold fund raising events.   SOFT Ireland Support Organisation for Edwards and Patau’s Syndrome is one of the lesser known organisations, but this fact does not take from the very worthy and supportive work which is carried out by them. Denise FitzGerald Reports

SOFT Ireland is a voluntary group which was founded in 1991, dedicated to providing support for families with children born with the life threatening Chromosomal Disorders Edwards Syndrome and Patau’s Syndrome.   SOFT puts families in touch with other families who have lost children, and who have newly diagnosed babies and family that are caring for babies with these disorders, and also families experiencing the bereavement of a lost baby.  The incidence of Trisomy 13 is about one in five thousand of total births, while that of Trisomy 18 – which is Edwards – is about one in two thousand five hundred of total births.   This happens more frequently in girls born than boys.  It is extremely rare to have a second baby with the same disorder.

On Friday last, the Youghal group of SOFT organised a fundraising Fashion Show and Coffee Morning which was  held in La Bella Roma Restaurant.   The elegant Restaurant was filled to capacity with supporters, and on entering the restaurant, the delicious array of cakes, pastries and confectionery met the eye.   All tea and coffee was sponsored by Proprietors Seosamh MacCárthaigh and Tommy O’Shea, who also provided the venue free of charge for this very worthy event.

There were local models on hand to display the gorgeous clothing, and they certainly could take to the stage anywhere in the world and do themselves justice.   Again, the girls volunteered their time and work for SOFT.

Fiona Hennessy, SOFT Youghal and organiser of the Fashion/Coffee Morning said she was delighted with the support received from the people of Youghal, and she extended sincere thanks also to all the businesses in the town who gave prizes for the raffle and, of course, to the Proprietors of La Bella Roma for their huge contribution.    A total of €1,500 was raised for the morning, all of which will be donated to SOFT Ireland.

Fiona’s baby daughter, Leah was born with Edwards Syndrome on September 25th 2005.   Leah lived for six weeks until November 5th, when she sadly died at home with her mum and dad.   Fiona told East Cork Journal that she and her husband were delighted to have another baby boy, Zack, who was born on August 28th 2008 and is perfect in every way.   The sad death of Leah is not forgotten and her short six weeks of  life is helping other parents to deal with their great loss, through SOFT Ireland.   An organisation which is more than worthy of all support.

Soft Ireland was founded in 1991.  Its a Voluntary group dedicated to providing support for families for children born with the Chromosomal Disorders Edwords Syndrome and Patau’s Syndrome.  SOFT puts families in touch with other family who have lost children and who have newly diagnosed babies and family that are caring for babies with these disorders and families experiencing bereavement.

We were delight to have another baby boy Zack on the 28th of August 2008 who is perfect in every way.