Heli-cruise raises ’em high as Bubblegum Club takes to the skies

IT was like a scene from an action-packed war movie.

The 30 helicopters landed in formation near the marina in Portumna, Co Galway. On board was a special cargo of 120 children from hospitals around the country.

“It’s been absolutely spectacular. The biggest race meeting in Ireland wouldn’t have a quarter of the helicopters,” said Brendan Grace.

The well known comedian is the patron of the Bubblegum Club, which organised the special day out for children with life threatening illnesses.

They came from hospitals like St Luke’s in Kilkenny, Temple Street Children’s Hospital in Dublin and Limerick Regional Hospital. After the helicopter ride to Portumna, they were transported by 30 cruisers to Terryglass, a beautiful harbour village on the shores of Lough Derg.

“The children got sandwiches, cakes and minerals. There was music playing, jumping castles, a magician and a barbecue fit to feed a king. They had a massive day,” Mr Grace said.

The Air Corps were present to safely organise the landing of the helicopters.

The flights were provided free by their owners, as were boats, the barbecue, the doctors’ services and more. In fact, the €125,000 cost of the ‘heli-cruise’ was completely covered by donated equipment and services.

“There’s a lot of volunteers involved in this and a lot of generous people out there. Any money that comes in goes straight into what makes the kids happy and you can see it out here,” Mr Grace said.

Mr Grace is continuing his successful stand up show in Killarney this summer. The Dublin comedian had a memorable role in Fr Ted, playing Fr Fintan Stack, the bad tempered, jungle music-loving priest.

He said it was the children’s attitude that helped him to perform his comedy routines.

“The children have a tremendous outlook and I thrive on their happiness. When you see how it works, it’s absolutely great,” he said.

The Bubblegum Club is organising more special events later this year, such as trips to the Alton Towers theme park in Britain and a skiing trip in the new year.

lMore information is available at www.bubblegumclub.ie.