Skydive for Infinity Friends raises over €8,000 to date

Four local men took part in a skydive recently and raised over €8,000 in aid of Infinity Friends, a social club for autistic children and youth in Athlone and surrounding areas.

The four, Anthony Devine, Gerry Gallagher, Ivor Earley and Paul Slevin, have children who use the service.

The skydive took place at the Irish Parachute Club in Clonbullogue, Offaly, on Saturday, September 23.

Co-founder of Infinity Friends Hilda Duignan said that the fundraiser has been “very successful” and that “people were very generous.”

“We can't qute believe it. People have been just super generous. It'll go a very long way towards all that we want to achieve as a club for the 50 families that we support, towards our new premises, towards services and facilities for the children and supports for the families.”

With more than 50 children attending five clubs operated by Infinity Friends, and with many more on a waiting list, the group is also seeking to expand the number of clubs.

Infinity Friends was originally set up by Claire Earley and Hilda Duignan in September 2022, with the aim of providing a safe, inclusive environment where members can be supported and be themselves. It aims to further build on that support by promoting inclusion and diversity in Athlone through working with other agencies, clubs, groups, schools and businesses.

Infinity Friends, in supporting the children, also helps their families and carers through peer support, a parents' Facebook page and some much-needed social activities of their own.