The 2 Johnnies have donated €200k to support sick children in hospitals across Ireland to say thank you after Johnny Smack’s new baby boy JJ was treated at the Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) hospital in Crumlin earlier this year.
The Tipperary comedy duo of Johnny B (Johnny O’Brien) and Johnny Smacks (Johnny McMahon) donated the proceeds of their Big Big Family Show at the 3Arena last Easter to the Children’s Health Foundation on Saturday afternoon ahead of their sold out show in St. Annes Park in Dublin.
Children’s Health Foundation will use the money to support patients, families and staff at children’s hospitals in Ireland.
Earlier this year, Johnny Smacks and his wife Annie’s new baby boy JJ was diagnosed with the birth defect Gastroschisis, and he spent a number of weeks being cared for by the doctors and nurses of Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) in Crumlin.
The duo also released a special GAA jersey to raise funds for CHI.
“It’s amazing to be able to this, myself and Annie can’t thank the staff in CHI Crumlin enough, us and JJ wouldn’t be where we are today without them,” Johnny Smacks said.
“It’s lovely to be able to give back and hopefully in the future it will help families in the same position we’ve been in. To everyone who bought a ticket the show, everyone donated or bought a jersey, we can’t thank ye enough. Human kindness is alive and well.”
The funds raised will support extra support and initiatives for patients and families such as rehabilitation equipment for kids recovering from serious illnesses to sensory rooms and support for therapy and play programmes.
The Foundation also supports ground-breaking innovative paediatric research and cutting-edge medical equipment along with a range of supports and therapies for sick children and their families.
Fionnuala O’Leary, Chief Executive at Children’s Health Foundation, said, “We are incredibly grateful to The 2 Johnnies and their supporters for this phenomenal donation. The €200,000 raised will have a lasting impact on the lives of sick children and their families across Ireland.
“When a child is seriously ill, the impact is felt by the entire family. Donations like this help us fund supports that bring comfort, play, distraction and reassurance during what can be an incredibly difficult time. They help ensure children can simply be children, even while in hospital.
She added, “The generosity shown by The 2 Johnnies and their fans has been truly extraordinary. This donation will help us continue funding projects and services that make a real and lasting difference for sick children and their families.”