*Niall Horan playing in Lahinch Golf Club. Photograph: Brian Arthur
Health officials in the Mid-West have said a €100k donation from Niall Horan to improve communications between families will be of “enormous benefit”.
Irish singer, Niall Horan has pledged to donate €100,000 specifically to provide mobile devices to be used by older people and staff in public long term residential care to allow residents stay in contact with their families.
After receiving a photo from his cousins, Patricia and Caroline of them talking on the phone to their granny outside her window where they decided to teach her to use FaceTime, Niall made the decision to make the donation.
“So many elderly people are feeling vulnerable and isolated now more than ever. Thousands of families have needed to be pulled apart, including my own. Not only does this initiative bring them back together, face to face in the short term, it’s a positive development for the future too,” the One Direction band member commented.
Infection control processes will be carried out when using tablets and additional infection control measures in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic will be strictly adhered to.
Geraldine Aspinall, Assistant Director at St. Ita’s Community Hospital, Newcastle West, Co. Limerick said Niall’s donation would be of “enormous benefit” for staff and residents during COVID-19.
“I’ve been using video apps to keep in touch with my granddaughter so I know first-hand the impact Niall’s generous offer will have. Niall’s contribution is also special as it will be used long after we emerge from Covid-19,” CEO of the HSE, Paul Reid stated.