A Laois business has rallied around an employee to help organise a fundraiser for the Jack and Jill Children's Foundation.

E.C. Pratt & Co are promising a day of food, fun displays, music and raffles for all the family. The business is known across the county for their expertise in garden and farm machinery.

Local groups and businesses have offered their support to this fundraiser, which E.C. Pratt & Co in Abbeyleix are hosting on behalf of the Gee family.

Store manager Gordon Gee's five year old daughter Maddie was diagnosed with a rare brain disorder called GNAO1, one of only two children in Ireland with the condition.

The Gee family have received fantastic supports from the Jack and Jill Foundation, and are delighted to have the assistance of E.C. Pratt & Co in giving back to the charity.

Mr Gee spoke with the Leinster Express / Laois Live on Maddie's health journey, and the fantastic fundraiser they have planned.

"Maddie started having seizures that were originally diagnosed as epilepsy, and we spent several months in and out of hospitals with her," Mr Gee explained.

Pictured: The Gee family

"She was eventually diagnosed with GNAO1. She has no control over her motor functions and she's non-verbal. Last year, Maddie underwent a deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery in Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital in London. We had a great spell for six months, and Maddie settled into great form. We had an amazing Christmas," Mr Gee said.

Unfortunately, Maddie started having serious seizures in February.

"We spent two weeks in Temple Street and several trips to Portlaoise in between. She has settled down now, and unfortunately the seizures are just part of it now," the local father said.

Mr Gee's employers and fellow colleagues at E.C. Pratt & Co have held several fundraisers in aid of the Jack and Jill Children's Foundation since 2021, including a tractor and truck run and a fundraising day at the rugby club.

"The fundraisers were just brilliant. The day we had was lovely, it was just after Covid and we hadn't all seen each other in a long time, it was a sunny day and great craic was had. We managed to raise over €40,000, and €10,000 for the Jack and Jill Foundation. We were able to get special equipment for the house too," Mr Gee praised.

"We have been receiving assistance from Jack and Jill since Maddie was six months old, and we want to give back to them. They have been brilliant, and Maddie absolutely adores her nurses Edel and Elaine."

The fundraiser will take place in E.C. Pratt & Co on Saturday, April 11.

The Gee family wished to thank local businesses who have sponsored prizes and offered to support the fundraiser.

"Camsaw distributors in Portarlington have given us a fantastic robot to raffle, and Segway on the Abbeyleix road are helping too. There will be a load of special deals on our robots, and 5% of the cost goes directly to Jack and Jill.

"The fire brigade will be joining us to give demonstrations, there will be a smoke tent. There will also be a fun pet farm from Tom Dunne, and Sarah and David Casey will be bringing their pizza van," Mr Gee said.

"G's Jams will be selling their limited edition Jack and Jill jam, and the Timahoe Male Choir will open the day with a performance at 2pm," he said.

Jeca the Clown will be in attendance on the day, along with plenty of fun games, face painting and demonstrations for all the family.

Mr Gee praised his employers and colleagues for their support.

Read Next: Army called in to remove vehicles blocking depots as fuel protests enter third day in Laois

"I want to give back to Sam and Edwin for their understanding of my position. I'm very lucky where if I needed to go home, they're supportive and understanding. They have been in the town for over 50 years now and sell a lot of gardening tools and machinery, fencing equipment, paint, agri oils and more," he said.

The business has received waves of positivity from the public on this upcoming fundraiser.

"Everyone has been so brilliant. We hope to get the weather, you never know until the day happens! But there will be lots of interesting robots to see, and people can get a great deal on the day," Mr Gee finished.

At the time this article was written, the online iDonate raffle has raised an outstanding €2,060. To donate, click here.