Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and your background?

I work with Irish Hospice Foundation, where bereavement forms a key part of my role. My professional background is in psychology, specifically social and organisational psychology, and I have spent many years working in areas connected to grief, loss and bereavement support.

I live in Greystones and grew up in Sligo, so I’ve always appreciated having a connection to both rural and urban Ireland. I think that perspective is important, particularly when working in a role that involves supporting people and communities from all walks of life.

How did you first get involved with Anam Cara?

My connection with Anam Cara goes right back to the beginning. When Sharon and the other parents were exploring the idea of establishing the charity, they came to speak with us at Irish Hospice Foundation. I had the privilege of seeing Anam Cara develop from those very early days.

Even at that stage, it was clear that something very special was emerging. The parents involved had such a genuine desire to support other bereaved parents, alongside a determination to build something meaningful and sustainable. What stood out was the combination of compassion, commitment and rigorous standards. There was always a strong focus on doing things well, recognising that good intentions alone are not enough when supporting people through profound loss.

Over the years, our paths continued to cross through collaborative events, committees, networks and bereavement initiatives. That long-standing relationship has given me a deep respect for both the organisation and the people behind it.

What is your role on the Board?

I recently joined Anam Cara’s Board of Directors. Through my work in bereavement and policy, I hope to bring insight into developments in grief support, both nationally and internationally, while helping connect ideas, opportunities and emerging best practice.

At the same time, like many people involved with Anam Cara, I’m happy to get involved wherever I can. It’s very much an organisation built on collaboration, and there is a strong spirit of everyone working together towards a common goal.

What makes Anam Cara’s support unique?

For me, the organisation’s greatest strength is that it is parents supporting parents. There is something incredibly powerful about people who have lived through the experience of losing a child supporting others facing that same reality.

Anam Cara also recognises that the loss of a child affects an entire family. Its supports are family-focused, acknowledging the impact on parents, siblings and the wider family unit.

Alongside that compassion is a strong commitment to governance, quality and accountability. I often think of Anam Cara as having both heart and head. The organisation combines empathy and lived experience with robust governance and professional standards, creating a unique and trusted source of support.

Has anything stood out to you over the years?

One memory that immediately comes to mind is attending one of Anam Cara’s early parent gatherings in Athlone. Families came together for a day that included talks, shared experiences, a lunch and a balloon release.

What I remember most, however, was the sense of connection between the parents. There was a quiet but powerful network of support surrounding them. In many ways, the simple act of gathering together was enough. There was a shared understanding that cannot always be found elsewhere.

Grief can be deeply isolating, and the grief experienced by bereaved parents often carries an additional sense of loneliness. That is why creating spaces where parents can simply be together is so important.

How do you see Anam Cara evolving in the coming years?

The challenge for any organisation is to evolve without losing the qualities that make it effective. For Anam Cara, that means preserving the supports and approaches that are making a difference while continuing to respond to a changing Ireland.

Families are changing, communities are becoming more diverse, and people are connecting in new ways. We have also learned a great deal in recent years about how support can be provided both in person and online. The opportunity is to continue exploring new ways of helping families connect while protecting the values and principles that have made Anam Cara so successful.

Another important priority is ensuring long-term sustainability. Consistent funding and security are essential if Anam Cara is to continue providing reliable support wherever and whenever families need it.

What would you say to someone considering supporting Anam Cara?

I would say that if you are already considering supporting Anam Cara, you are more than halfway there. Something about the organisation’s mission has connected with you, whether through personal experience, someone you know, or a story that has resonated with you.

People who are drawn to Anam Cara often have a strong sense of empathy and compassion. The role of the organisation is simply to make it as easy as possible for them to get involved in whatever way feels right, whether that is donating, volunteering, fundraising or helping to spread awareness.

Being invited to join the Board has been both a privilege and an honour. The need that bereaved families face is unimaginable to those who have not experienced it themselves, but that does not mean we cannot respond with empathy, care and support. I am proud to play a small part in an organisation that provides exactly that.