A Laois family are set to host a fundraising coffee morning in memory of their late son and brother who passed away suddenly in December 2023.
There was widespread shock across the county following the news of the sudden passing of John Delaney from Ballacolla, at the age of just 28.
Known as ‘Jack’ to his wide circle of family and friends, he collapsed while out for a run near his home in Ballacolla.
He was the youngest of a family of four and was heavily involved in the family furniture business, Design Options in Portlaoise, where he worked alongside his father Tim and brother Tom, who runs the adjacent coffee shop Brew.
John was a friendly presence whether in the coffee shop, on the furniture side of things or out making deliveries across the county and beyond.
Almost two years on from that tragedy, John’s sister Sarah and her family have launched a fundraiser in his memory.
Everyone is invited to Brew Cafe on Sunday, September 7, from 9am-12pm for coffee and treats where all proceeds go to The Mater Hospital Foundation.
Sarah said: “In December 2023, our family lost a cherished brother and son when my brother John sadly passed away while out for a morning run.
“John was simply one of a kind, with the brightest eyes and the warmest heart, he left this life far too soon and with each day that passes, we miss him more and more, forever wishing he could still be here with us.
“Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome or SADS takes the lives of up to 100 young people in Ireland every year, leaving families in the same devastating situation as ours.
“Since John’s passing, the Family Heart Screening Clinic, which is supported by the Mater Foundation, has helped us to undertake cardiac screening, to prevent this from happening again and to save lives.
“To support the Mater Foundation, we have decided to hold a coffee morning at Brew Cafe in Portlaoise on Sunday, September 7, from 9am-12pm.
“Join us for some coffee and treats where you can make your donation to the Mater Foundation.
“All support would be greatly appreciated.”
Already, the family’s GoFundMe has raised more than €6,500.
Anyone wishing to add to that can do so by clicking below:
SEE ALSO – In Pictures: Huge success as Timahoe Male Choir and Stradbally Community Choir rock Electric Picnic
