The inspiration.

In 2001 Bernadine and Patrick Mc Brearty had their third child, Áine.  Áine was born with Down Syndrome.  This beautiful child’s birth inspired Patrick to take up the challenge of raising funds to help children with special needs.

In 2002, Patrick turned 40 and so decided to attempt a 40km walk with 40 people (over 40 years of age) with a target figure of €40,000.  He achieved his goal, but there is a strong suspicion that not all of the walkers were over 40!!

This sparked a movement that would result in many hundreds taking to the hills of Donegal over the next few years, in what turned out to be a bi-annual event…The Magee Bluestack Challenge!

To date we have raised over €900,000.

Little did anyone realise back in 2001 how significant Áines birth would be and how it would benefit so many others.

In 2005 the Magee Bluestack committee felt that due to the significant sums being raised over the first few walks, they should consider how best to distribute such funds.  Public meetings were held around the county and from this it was agreed that a ‘one stop shop’ was required…a place where parents could call for advice on many topics, such as medical cards, how to find physio/speech/occupational therapists, information on a childs condition and on support groups etc.

Thus was formed the Bluestack Foundation…a voluntary committee with responsibility for the development and running of a new state of the art facility and with allocating funds to those in need.

For more information on the Foundation please visit: www.bluestackfoundation.com