New sensory garden allows children to have a safe place

A NEW sensory garden was opened in Suzanne House, which provides respite care for children with life-limiting conditions, in Tallaght Village on Saturday.

The ribbon-cutting marking the opening of the garden was carried out by Brendan Prendergast, whose daughter Suzanne passed away in 1985 aged 13 from a measles-related illness, and after whom Suzanne House is named.

Senator Lynn Ruane and influencer Terrie McEvoy, who is also a nurse, were in attendance for the uplifting event.

Roisin McGarry, clinical nurse manager at Suzanne House, told The Echo: “Last Saturday was Suzanne House’s biggest achievement to date, on the opening of our new sensory garden.

“The sensory garden allows our children to have a safe space to enhance all of their senses, sight, smell, touch, sounds.

“It is thanks to the Better Life grant and fundraising that the garden is as exceptional as it is.

“A huge amount of work has gone into fundraising including a staff skydive, benefit nights, cake sales and donations.

Sophie (staff nurse) and Eoin Duffy enjoying the new garden

“We were so grateful to have Terrie McEvoy and Senator Lynn Ruane join us on the day.”

The new facility marks the next chapter for Suzanne House, which is open 24/7 and supports 25 children who get 15-nights-a-year of respite care.

“We provide a ‘home away from home’ service,” added Ms McGarry.

“Thanks to fundraising we have been lucky to provide a beautiful playground for our children, a messy playroom, a state-of-the-art multi-sensory room and sensory equipment in all bedrooms.

“Our home provides such a valued service to families and children across the greater Leinster region.

“Our next goal is to build on a wet room to one of our bedrooms and get a ball pit for our multi-sensory room. Thanks to fundraising we can make our children’s stay as special as possible.”

Donations can be made to Suzanne House HERE.