produced a research document for Dublin to bid for the 2012 and 2016 Summer Olympics. The Jack and Jill Foundation The Jack and Jill Foundation was established by Irwin and his wife Mary Ann, as a result of their experiences following the birth of their son Jack in 1996. Due to complications shortly after birth, Jack developed severe brain-damage, which left him without sight or hearing, and unable to swallow. In a manner that shocked Irwin, he was advised by medical practitioners to abandon the baby in hospital. After ignoring that advice, they found themselves effectively abandoned instead, with no support-system in place to help them care for Jack at home. The family suffered significant trauma, and encountered a series of bureaucratic obstacles, before an offer of help from a retired nurse provided a catalyst which sustained them through the remaining months of their son's short life. Other nurses became involved with Jack's care, and out of the seeds of family anguish, fresh hopes grew for others. According to Irwin, he was profoundly shocked and angered to discover that there was no respite-aid available to parents in their circumstances until the baby reached the age of four. "We wanted to ensure that other families would not have to go through the same sort of ordeal, and we set up the Jack and Jill Children's Foundation to help provide a comprehensive range of support services for babies and their families." The organisation campaigns to improve services for young children with disabilities, but Irwin says that progress towards reform of the system has been slow. Jack and Jill has been providing a network of support for individual families. Since 1997, the foundation has supported 1600 families throughout Ireland. It has raised €36 million from the private sector while receiving €4.5 million from the Irish health service. Awards received include Charity of the Year 2003, Irish Personality of the Year 2004, Irish Fundraiser of 2011 and Global Fundraiser of 2011. References Further reading 1941 births Living people People educated at Eton College British businesspeople Renua Ireland politicians