Father and son bond through volunteering with young patients: 'It's the highlight of my week'
A father and son from Dublin share a bonding experience by volunteering together at the LauraLynn children's hospice. The pair engage in activities with young patients, highlighting the positive impact of intergenerational community service.
Why it matters
It showcases the social value of volunteerism and its role in strengthening family relationships.
Ian Rattray with his son Ben, who both volunteer with Laura Lynn in Dublin. Picture: Moya Nolan
Ian and Ben Rattray are booked up on Sunday mornings. That’s when the Kiltiernan, Co Dublin-based father and son spend a couple of hours volunteering at LauraLynn, Ireland’s children’s hospice.
Ben, 22, who began volunteering 10 months ago, says: “If it’s nice weather, we play outside with the kids. Some are in a wheelchair. A lot of them just like to walk around. With the more mobile, we play hide-and-seek — chase them around. And if the weather isn’t nice, we might read a story to them.”
“Dad was doing it years before me. I got into it, seeing what he was doing. It’s probably the highlight of my week. I have a lot of fun doing it; in a sense, it brings me back to my childhood.”
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