• Vital funds raised as part of European-wide ‘Ride 4 Dray’ campaign, which concluded in Dublin.
  • Fundraising driven by RSM US Partner’s personal connection to childhood cancer.
  • Campaign concluded with Croke Park abseil and support from comedian Barry Murphy.

RSM Ireland, the country’s biggest first-generation accounting firm, has raised €25,000 for Children’s Health Foundation and formed a new partnership with the charity.


RSM Ireland’s fundraising forms part of a wider campaign driven by its colleague and RSM US Partner, Jim Clarahan, a long-time campaigner for paediatric oncology services and screening. 
 

On 24 August, Jim completed a 21,000 kilometre charity motorbike journey, “Ride 4 Dray”, taking in 35 countries across Europe over four months, and visiting 20 childhood cancer centres along the way. He chose Dublin as the concluding location for one final push to raise vital funds and awareness.


RSM firms along his route supported Jim’s drive by raising funds for charities providing paediatric cancer support within their own countries. RSM Ireland’s campaign contribution saw it hold three fundraising events on 25th August; a charity golf tournament in Powerscourt; a charity abseil in Croke Park; and a fundraiser evening in Dublin city hosted by comedian, Barry Murphy. 


The efforts of RSM Ireland colleagues will assist Children’s Health Foundation, which supports sick children and their families in Children's Health Ireland hospitals and urgent care centres at Crumlin, Temple Street, Tallaght and Connolly.

 

John Glennon, Managing Partner of RSM Ireland said: “Children’s Health Ireland  does incredible work with some of Ireland’s sickest and youngest people and their families. Because of that, and in support of the campaign led by our colleague Jim Clarahan, we are delighted to confirm that Children’s Health Foundation is now our official charity partner.  


“The €25,000 raised by RSM Ireland staff is testament to the importance and inspiration felt across the firm as a result of the invaluable work of charities like Children’s Health Foundation, advocates and campaigners. We are delighted to support Jim and his awareness building drive in this way, and in particular to host him as he completes the final leg of his “Ride 4 Dray”, he added


Jim Clarahan, who is a partner with RSM US, has Irish roots. He has family living in Dublin, and his surname originates in Bally Clerihan in Tipperary. The inspiration for “Ride 4 Dray” is Jim’s grandson Dray who, five years ago as an infant, started to develop worrying symptoms of rapid weight loss, which medical teams were unable to provide an answer for. Eventually, it was discovered that an unknown, and therefore over-looked, symptom of brain tumours in children under five is Lipodystrophy (rapid weight loss and emaciation).


This experience motivated Jim to dedicate his time to raising awareness of this previously unknown symptom so that other children can be diagnosed and treated earlier.


Jim Clarahan said: “During my motorbike ride in Europe and visiting paediatric oncology centres across the continent, what has struck me the most, is that there are many things Europe is more advanced in, and there are other things where the US is farther ahead. There is a great need for the broader, global healthcare community to share and collaborate in all aspects of research, diagnostic processes/protocols, treatment and care.  Cancer does not discriminate and has no political borders.


“I am very grateful for the support across the RSM community and it is particularly special to conclude in Ireland and hear about the incredible work of Children’s Health Foundation”, he added.


Hugh Kane, Interim Chief Executive of Children’s Health Foundation said “The hard work and passion shown by the RSM Ireland colleagues and clients has been brilliant. Hosting three events in one day is real dedication to helping give every sick child the very best chance. We are also inspired by Jim Clarahan’s determination to raise funds for, and awareness of, childhood cancer. His 21,000km motorcycle journey across Europe is testament to that.”