Adam King, the nation’s sweetheart is at it again!
Adam has raised a massive amount of money for Irish hospitals with his virtual hugs.
He has been selling his virtual hug cards for charity and has raised a whopping €266,000 for Temple Street and Cork University Maternity Hospital.
This adorable 6-year-old originally won the hearts of the nation during his appearance in the Late Late Toy show in 2020, talking about his brittle bone condition and giving Ryan Tubridy a hand-drawn card of a virtual hug.
The virtual hug was later printed onto cards and mass produced for the nation. Between Christmas and Valentine’s Day, the sales of this cute card made over a quarter of a million euro.
Adam’s father said, “Thanks to the sale of Adams virtual hug cards, thanks to the generosity of everyone who went out and bought them, our family are proud to make a donation of €266,830.52 to be split equally between Cork University Hospital Charity and Children’s Health Ireland at Temple Street”.
The money will support the bone clinic that Adam has been a patient at for years and the Arts in Health program. Their job is to make sure everybody feels included and welcome and that that place is as fun as possible.
Adam’s father said, “At CUMH, we will support the building of the Neonatal Sanctum. These two projects are very close to our hearts as a family.
“Adam and his Virtual Hug are testament that the smallest gestures can have the biggest impact.”
Adam was born with Type 3 osteogenesis imperfecta. This is a rare condition that causes stunt growth and brittle bones. Having spent a lot of time going between both hospitals since he was born and he is happy to be giving back.
Denise Fitzgerald, Chief Exec of CHF, said, “Adam King’s virtual hug card brought so much joy to people right across the country when it was needed most and has helped lift the nation’s spirits in a very challenging time for us all.
“The response to the card was simply phenomenal and we are so grateful to each and every person around Ireland who bought cards and supported this important fundraiser.
“From all your friends in CHI at Temple Street and Children’s Health Foundation, thank you to the King family for thinking of sick children in the hospital and working so hard to raise these vital funds.
“The Phenomenal funds raised will be put to work where they are needed most in CHI at Temple Street, making a real and lasting difference to sick children and their families.”
Well done, Adam!
Words: Sadhbh Pearse