Roscommon sisters reach out following the death of two siblings

There are few among us who haven't experienced the death of a loved one, and while we know everyone navigates grief in their own way, as adults we have the capacity to seek understanding, comfort and information from a variety of outlets.

But what if you're a child who has to come to terms with the passing of a sibling?

Having experienced the death of two siblings over the course of 20 years, three sisters from Roscommon decided to establish a charity which aims to provide comfort and support to children who are dealing with the passing of a brother and sister.

In January of last year, Aishleen, Katie-Anne and Charlotte O'Toole were left devastated by the sudden passing of their 30-year-old sister Jacinta from a brain aneurysm, and ultimately began a grieving process which they endured 20 years previously when their brother Declan died at the age of seven.

"When he passed we knew only too well how it felt to be raised and cared for by parents that have lost a child and as brothers and sisters that have lost one of our own," they said of their decision to establish a charity named after their sister.

Jacinta's Smile aims to provide grief-stricken children with a support network as well as an outlet to celebrate their own personal achievements and triumphs.

"We know as adults how important it is to have something to look forward to and to explore our growth so it is imperative that Jacinta’s Smile can offer the children a sense of achievement,belonging and something positive to look forward to," they explained.

Next month, the charity will be bringing groups of children, aged between 8-16, who have lost a sibling to Delphi Mountain Resort in Connemara where they will be celebrated, listen to and supported through a range of fun and engaging activities.

If you know of a child or teenager who would like to take part in next month's activities or simply benefit from the work being done by Jacinta's Smile, you can find out more information here.