‘We are so proud of being able to do this in Hugh’s memory’

Hughie’s Corner Child and Adolescent Therapeutic Centre was set up in memory of eight-year-old Hugh Simpson-Callaghan, who passed away in 2011.

For the last couple of years counselling services have been available for children aged between five and 18 at the Pastoral Centre in Letterkenny and once a week at outreach centres in Buncrana and Stanorlar.

In January, a further outreach centre in Carndonagh was launched thanks to fundraising by Hugh’s family and a recently established fundraising committee.

Hugh passed away suddenly in his Gleneely home in January 2011 as a result of an undiagnosed Thymus tumour, an extremely rare form of cancer.

Following Hugh’s death, his mum Leeann, who is originally from Derry, searched for counselling services for her other children on both sides of the border.

“I couldn’t find any counselling services for five to 18-year-olds to address grief and anxiety. There were psychiatric and psychological services, but that was not what my children needed.

“We were grieving and my children were grieving and in many ways not being able to access services made it harder.”

The Callaghan family began an annual darts competition in Hugh’s memory and donated the money to the Pastoral Centre based in Letterkenny.

The funds were used to set up a dedicated wing which was named ‘Hughie’s Corner’ which offers specialised children’s counselling through play therapy and art therapy. Hughie’s Corner is regulated and governed by the Letterkenny Pastoral Centre, has charity status and is not for profit.

Leeann said the service is such a fitting tribute to Hugh, as it is providing help to people who need it.

“I have seen first hand the difference the counselling can make. One of my own children attended counselling at the Pastoral Centre and in just one summer the transformation was amazing. We are all so proud of being able to do something in Hugh’s memory that so many people need.”

The Callaghan family set up a fundraising committee to help extend the service to Carndonagh.

“Hughie’s Corner Fundraising Committee is a voluntary group of people from all over Inishowen who really care about children’s mental health and well-being. We want to keep raising money to increase the amount of children that Hughie’s Corner therapists can reach as the demand is huge.

“Currently children are waiting three months for emergency support through the Child and Adult Mental Health Service (CAMHS) in Letterkenny. All other children waiting for counselling services through CAMHS may have to wait over one year to receive support.

“This is totally unacceptable and we will be lobbying county counsellors and TDs to raise awareness of our forgotten children in Inishowen and Donegal.”

Hughie’s Corner is heavily funded through voluntary donations and to run the service just once a week costs €1,000.

The fundraising committee have launched Hughie’s Grab A Grand Lotto to increase therapy sessions in Inishowen. Lines are €2 per week and a €1,000 prize is on offer.

For more information on the fundraiser and how to take part visit https://www.facebook.com/hughies.corner.3 or purchase a line directly via www.paypal.com/paypalme/Hughiescorner.

To arrange an appointment with Hughie’s Corner contact the Pastoral Centre in Letterkenny on 074 91 21853.