Laois family to host fundraiser in memory 'one of a kind' brother and son

A well known Laois family is hosting a fundraiser this weekend in memory of a 'one of a kind' brother and son who passed away suddenly in 2023.

John (Jack) Delaney, of Kyledellig, Ballacolla, Portlaoise, died on December 5, 2023 after collapsing while out for a morning run.

In his memory the Delaney family are hosting a coffee morning on Sunday, September 7 in the Brew Cafe, Portlaoise from 9am-12pm with all proceeds going to The Mater Hospital Foundation.

"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," the family said.

"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."

Son of Tim and Eileen Delaney, John had worked in the well known family business of Design Options in Portlaoise.

A GoFundMe fundraiser has been set up online by the family and has already raised almost €9,000 in a matter of days.

The family added: "All support would be greatly appreciated."