The 2012 Spring Break will take place on the weekend of 23rd/24th/25th March in the Lakeside Hotel, Killaloe, Co. Clare.

Full details of rates will be available shortly but in the meantime mark the dates in your diary.

All proceeds from the climb will go to SOFT Ireland in memory of Elaine Fagan who’s first anniversary occurs the same weekend. Donations can be made on the day or you can contact Nicola Foley for sponsorship cards. If you have a pay-pal account you can donate here through the SOFT website.

The Keeper Climb is not just a great fundraising event but also a chance to catch up with old friends, make some new ones and to burn off the last of the Christmas calories! So get training and hope to see as many of you there as possible!

Phyllis McCrory has set up a fundraising page on mycharity.ie to raise funds for SOFT Ireland. Phyllis’ daughter Dearbhla was born on 29th October 2010 with Edwards Syndrome. She lived for 1 hour and 6 minutes. A friend of hers, Adrian Leonard, is running in the Dublin City Marathon on 31st October to raise funds for SOFT Ireland.

You can help by logging onto the mycharity.ie website by following this link  http://www.mycharity.ie/event/phyllis_mc_crorys_event/ and making a donation. You can donate by credit card/lazer or you can also set up a monthly direct debit.

Phyllis has set a target of €2500. Please help her to realise this target – any donation, no matter how small, will be much appreciated and will be donated to SOFT Ireland in Dearbhla’s memory.

Please send all information to paudiobrien@gmail.com

Entry is €5 per child and all children must be accompanied by an adult.

All proceeds go to SOFT Ireland.

For further information please contact Gina Kavanagh 087 7809579

This coffee morning is being held in aid of the Jack and Jill Foundation and SOFT Ireland in memory of three very special babies – Lily May Stanley, Darren Mellows-Guildea and Ellen Butler.

So come and support these two very worthy causes and enjoy a cuppa and a scone into the bargain!

Admission €4 and tickets are available from Joanne Mellows 087-9662118 and Alma Stanley 086-2606791.

There will be a monster raffle on the morning and even if you are unable to attend, Joanne and Alma will be only too pleased to organise raffle tickets for you!!

The Spring Break is a very informal and relaxed weekend. There is plenty of time to meet other families, to share experiences, talk about your special child and make new friends. This year there will be no organised activities on the Saturday afternoon allowing plenty of time to relax and enjoy the surroundings of the hotel.

The high point of the weekend is our Saturday night dinner – which is followed by a raffle and live music entertainment – don’t forget to bring a spot prize for the raffle!! This is always a lively event especially for the children. As some of our newer families may not be ready for this there is also a quieter area provided where you can sit, relax and chat.

The cost for 2 nights B&B and evening meal on the Saturday is €99 per adult sharing. Children under 4 and special needs children are free.  Children from 4 to 16 are €40 each for 2 night B&B and the evening meal on Saturday. SOFT Ireland is delighted to offer up to €200 to families towards the cost of accomodation.

The hotel has a limited number of family rooms and unfortunately has no inter-connecting rooms. However they are happy to offer adjoining rooms at no extra cost. Bookings should be made by Friday 12th March directly with the hotel (094 9862100) quoting ‘SOFT Ireland Spring Break. For further information on the hotel and its’ facilities please check www.abbeyfieldhotel.ie . For any other queries please contact Ian O’Brien 087 6211264 or Danny Rispin 086 2519850.

We look forward to seeing you there.

This year we will not be sending out sponsorship cards however we will have a bucket available on the day for donations from those partaking in the event.

We will meet at Newport Graveyard at 9.30am and head off for the starting point for the climb.

Thanks Nicola, Greg & Kyran