A Laois family have taken to the skies for a fundraiser in memory of their beloved father and husband.

Portlaoise man Anthony Walsh sadly passed away following a stroke in December of 2023, leaving behind his wife Irene and three children Ellen, Laura and Tony.

The Walsh family took to the skies on September 27 to raise funds for the Portlaoise Ambulance Service and Tallaght hospital's Stroke Unit. 

The family handed over the money to the ambulance service and the stroke unit on Thursday October 30. 

Pictured: The Walsh family presenting Portlaoise Ambulance Service with donations raised

"The four of us did it through the Irish Parachuting Club at Clonbullogue airfield in Offaly," Anthony Walsh's wife Irene told the Leinster Express / Laois Live. 

"I was very nervous doing it- for the kids anyway. I jumped out first because I didn't want to see them jumping," she laughed.

"I have skydived once before so I knew what to expect too. The kids loved it, they were on a high. Ellen was a bit nervous, Tony loved it so much that he said he wants to be a skydive instructor now!".

Through this skydiving fundraiser, the family raised a whopping €23,250, which they say they 'can't believe'.

"We were so thrilled, especially because our initial target was €2,000, we didn't think we would get any more and it took off like rollercoaster," Mrs Walsh explained.

Pictured: Irene Walsh, wife of the dearly missed Anthony Walsh, takes to the skies in his memory

"We were so blown away and couldn't believe it. People were donating left, right and centre, from €10 to €500. Even young children were donating towards the fundraiser, it was great," she said.

From a large family in St Brigid's in Portlaoise and a former worker with the ESB, Anthony was a well-known figure in Portlaoise. The family were 'touched' to see the community rally around them in their fundraising efforts.

"On Thursday October 30 we travelled to Dublin and presented a cheque to Tallaght's stroke unit, they are going to buy specialised chairs for their patients," Mrs Walsh explained.

"Rather than giving it to a fund, we insisted that the money goes directly back to the stroke unit, and they are able to buy some other equipment too. We met with two consultants, one was Professor Collins who took care of Anthony, and two of the occupational therapists demonstrated the uses and benefits of these chairs," she said.

Pictured: The Walsh family presents a cheque of donations to Tallaght Hospital's Stroke Unit on October 30

"They explained that with this chair, they were able to bring one man outside for the first time in two months, and that we don't realise how much it means to him. It was so lovely to hear," Mrs Walsh said.

"Many companies donate money towards new CAT scans, it's the smaller equipment that can be forgotten about. We are delighted that we were able to give so much too," she said.

Portlaoise Ambulance Service have used their money received to build a new gym.

"At the beginning they didn't know what they wanted, so they put it towards the gym they are building. It will be good for their training to keep fit, I don't know how they will have the time when they're so busy!" she praised.

"We were happy to make a difference to everyday lives, on an everyday basis."

Pictured: Tony Walsh was on top of the world, raising funds in memory of his father

Mrs Walsh wished to thank the ambulance unit and Tallaght's stroke unit for their hard work and understanding.

"We just want to thank the good work of the people in Tallaght and the local ambulance service, on the day it happened they couldn't have been better. They put my mind at ease, and they knew exactly what to do. They didn't hang around, and for that we are so grateful.

Pictured: Irene and Anthony Walsh (RIP) with their children Ellen, Laura and Tony.

"Even though it wasn't a good outcome for us, they made such a difference and did everything they could. Hopefully this fundraiser will help other families," Mrs Walsh said.

"Something positive came out of a negative, and we did it together as a family," Mrs Walsh finished.

Read more of the Walsh family's fundraiser here.

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