Fire orphans’ trust fund gallops ahead

THE trust fund for the Waterford children orphaned by a house fire last year has increased substantially, thanks to the combined efforts of local gardaí and racing jockeys.

Last night a cheque for €12,295 was handed over by four horse riders to O’Regan Children Trust Fund.

The trust was set up last year to help provide for Cian, 11, Brianna, seven, and Aaron, six.

The three lost their parents, Bryan and Johanna, in a fire at their home on Ardmore Terrace, Ballybeg, Waterford in June 2006.

Their little sister, Niamh, also perished. She was 21-months-old. Since then, the local community has been rallying to help the children with a series of fundraising events.

The latest addition was gathered by two Waterford-based gardaí, James Fenton and Roisín Hayes along with jump jockeys Danny Grant and Tom Ryan.

Together they rode horseback from Dungarvan to Waterford city in September accompanied by the Garda Mounted Unit.

“It just started when I was talking to a friend of mine at the Galway Races and we were trying to think was there anything we could do, so we decided to do this,” said Garda Fenton.

“The support we got was phenomenal especially from places like the Stone Haven equestrian centre who provided the horse.

“Even on the day their were people coming out with water for the horses, it was great to see.”

The riders spent a full day riding the 35 miles. Garda Fenton said the effort came out of the effect the tragedy had on the community in Waterford.

“It was a tragic, tragic case. It is something I hope I never have to hear about again.”

The children are now living with their grandparents Joan and Pa O’Regan.

Ms O’Regan said they are still trying to build up their lives after the loss of their parents.

“They are doing okay, they have settled in well it helps they were so used to being here since they were very young.

“The support has been great, every little helps and especially when they get older,” she said.

According to the organisers, the trust fund appeal has largely come to an end except for outstanding contributions such as the horse ride. A final figure has yet to be calculated.

Solicitors are in the process of appointing trustees who will ensure the fund will assist the children in future years.