For families of critically ill children, a home by hospital can be a lifesaver

Few things in life take more of a toll on a family than having a child critically ill in hospital — but, in the absence of State aid, there are some charities that can give them a second home, says Joyce Fegan.

If you live outside of Dublin and your child gets sick, requiring critical care in a major city centre hospital, the last thing you would expect to be worrying about as a parent is the cost of fuel, the price of parking, or how long you will need to stay in a B&B.