Honorary Garda
We grant the wish of the children we support (under our criteria, see below) to become Honorary Gardaí and provide Garda themed distraction toys and children’s events (e.g. Honorary Garda Graduation Day) for our Little Blue Heroes. There is an application process involved to nominate a child to become an Honorary Garda. The steps involved are:
The child's illness must meet one of the serious or life threatening illnesses categories listed below.
Parent(s) / Guardian(s) must consent to have their child nominated.
A supporting letter from the child's medical team, hospital or hospital social worker confirming child’s illness must be provided.
The application form (available below) must be completed in full and submitted for consideration with the supporting letter.
The application is considered by our Family Liaison Committee who will notify the parent or guardian on the outcome of the application.
If the application is approved the Family Liaison Committee will liaise with the relevant local Gardaí, where possible, to arrange the induction of the new Honorary Garda.
Our Beneficiary Criteria
Little Blue Heroes Foundation only considers applications for assistance for families with children between the age of 1- 15 (at time of application), in Ireland, with life-threatening and life-limiting condition(s) that comes under one of the four categorisations set out below:
Category 1 – Severe Genetic and Congenital Disorders
Examples: Advanced-stage cystic fibrosis, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, complex congenital heart defects requiring surgical intervention, Type I or II spinal muscular atrophy.
Characteristics: These are serious, life-limiting conditions present from birth, typically caused by significant genetic abnormalities. They often result in profound physical disability, respiratory or cardiac compromise, and/or severe developmental impairment. Individuals may require intensive and ongoing specialist medical care, frequent hospitalisation, complex surgical procedures, and continuous support for daily living.
Category 2 - Neurological and Neuromuscular Disorders
Examples: Cerebral palsy, epilepsy, severe forms of muscular dystrophy, brain tumours.
Characteristics: These conditions affect the brain, spinal cord, or muscles, leading to significant physical and cognitive disabilities. They often require extensive medical treatment, therapy, and supportive care.
Category 3 - Cancers and Malignant Diseases
Examples: Leukaemia, neuroblastoma, brain tumours, sarcomas.
Characteristics: These are life-threatening due to their aggressive nature and potential to spread throughout the body. Treatment typically involves intensive therapies such as chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, with significant side effects and long-term health implications.
Category 4 - Chronic and Severe Organ Diseases
Examples: Severe congenital heart disease, chronic renal failure, severe respiratory conditions (e.g. cystic fibrosis-related lung disease).
Characteristics: These conditions involve critical organs and require long-term medical management. They can lead to frequent hospitalisations, complex treatment regimens, and often necessitate organ transplants or other major interventions.
These categories encompass a wide range of serious illnesses that significantly impact children's lives, requiring comprehensive and specialised medical care and support.