Four fathers to take on skydive to raise funds for Infinity Friends

Four local men are to take on a brave skydive shortly to raise funds for Infinity Friends, a social club for autistic children and youth in Athlone and surrounding areas.

The four, Anthony Devine, Gerry Gallagher, Ivor Earley and Paul Slevin, have children who use the service.

They are taking part in a skydive at the Irish Parachute Club in Clonbullogue, Co. Offaly, on Saturday, September 23.

Infinity Friends was originally set up by Claire Earley and Hilda Duignan in September 2022, with the aim of providing a safe, inclusive environment where members can be supported and be themselves.

Affiliated with Youth Work Midlands, the club aims to foster the children's growth and confidence in their abilities and skills through participation in community-based activities, leisure activities, self care activities and much more.

Infinity Friends, in supporting the children, also helps their families and carers through peer support, a parents' Facebook page and some much-needed social activities of their own.

Chairperson Claire Earley said: “We have big plans for Infinity Friends and are actively working towards having our own premises where we can have a dedicated space to provide a service to more children and their families. We hope to be able to have a sensory space and much more.

“To achieve this, we need funds. We are so honoured that these four Dads have decided to make this brave move and literally jump out of a plane for our club!”

With more than 50 children attending five clubs operated by Infinity Friends, and with many more on a waiting list, the group is also seeking to expand the number of clubs.

This year, due to there being little or no choice in summer camps suitable for autistic children the club ran summer camps for the first time.

The camps, all organised and run on a voluntary basis, were a massive success. They took place for four weeks during June and August with each group having a week of camp with different activities each day. The kids were able to join in activities at their own pace and with no pressure.

The four fathers spoke of their own motivation for taking on the skydive challenge.

Anthony Devine from Fohenagh, Ahascragh, explained: “I've always told my daughter Megan that it's OK to be afraid but usually there's nothing to be afraid of. If you can do it once you can do it again. I'm not hectic about heights but if once I've done that I can say 'I conquered my fear so anything else should be easy'”.

Gerry Gallagher , who lives in Woodville, Athlone, said: “My son Jack, 10 years old, looks forward to his club meetings each Sunday and thoroughly enjoys the regular outings to the equestrian centre, play centres and other various events organised by Infinity Friends for the kids. Suzanne, my wife, and I, feel very lucky to have such a service that benefits Jack so much right here in Athlone.

“We are very grateful to Claire and Hilda and all for all their efforts in making the group the success story that it is. For all those reasons I am only too delighted to have this opportunity to help raise some funds for the group.”

Monksland resident Ivor Earley said his daughter, Sophia, aged 9, has made lots of new friends and enjoys the activities at Infinity Friends.

“This summer Sophia attended Infinity Friends' summer camp. This was her first time to be given the opportunity to attend a summer camp. She had a great week of full-filled activities with friends. Infinity Friends is a great place for the parents too. Every week someone learns something new from another parent. We drink tea and chat whilst the children attend the club.

“It is an hour a week that we feel understood, and our children are accepted for who they are. The club also organises social events for parents and information days. It is for all these reasons and more that I have agreed to take part in the Dads' skydive fundraiser 2023. We are raising much needed funds to help Infinity Friends get their own premises and provide more clubs for the ever growing waiting lists. It is important that no child gets left behind.”

Paul Slevin, from Coosan, said: “Infinity Friends has been such a help to me and my family and I'm absolutely delighted to be able to give something back by doing the parachute jump. My kids really enjoyed their summer camps with the group, myself and my wife have made so many new friends in the group that are in the same boat as ourselves.”

Thanking the fathers and those who have contributed to the fundraiser, Claire Earley said it was reflective of the wider backing for the group.

“The community support throughout the year has been overwhelming. Everyone is behind us and helping us succeed,” she said.

Infinity Friends aims to further build on that support by promoting inclusion and diversity in Athlone through working with other agencies, clubs, groups, schools and businesses.

Support this skydive fundraiser for Infinity Friends by donating here