THE Jack Dodd Foundation donated €7,000 between two charities – the Brain Battle Fund and the Irish Kidney Association – this week.

Named in honour of the young international show jumper Jack Dodd, who tragically passed away after a road accident in June 2018, the foundation was set up in late 2018 by his parents David and Trish, together with close family friends Andrea Drakulic and Denise Wilson.

Fundraising is one of the foundation’s main aims. “We were very pleased to have been able to make our pledged donations of €3,500 each to both the Brain Battle Fund at Maastricht University Hospital and the Irish Kidney Association today,” read its social media on Wednesday.

The Brain Battle Fund at the Belgian hospital, where Jack was treated, will be an annual beneficiary. “The only one carved in stone is the Brain Battle Fund and then a different charity each year,” said David Dodd, speaking to The Irish Field yesterday.

“We are so grateful for all the support we’ve received. People are very good, from locals to international figures.”

Two examples of local fundraising were a training clinic run by Martin Duffy at Ard Chuain Equestrian Centre, and Bonniconlon Show’s donation. “Martin came up with the idea for the clinic at Halloween, it went very well and every child turned inside out with his teaching.

“Bonniconlon said ‘We’ll give you all the entry fees from the 12.2 novice class’. That’s a very personal donation, Jack jumped at that show. Every donation helps, it raises awareness and it keeps Jack’s name out there.”

The foundation also benefitted from the Irish Show Jumpers Awards Ball auction.

“All of the riders have been so generous, you couldn’t single one out. They’re busy people but they’ve helped both the foundation and the next generation with their generosity.”

Expanding the #JDFNetwork and emergency contact circles, an online shop launch and expanded social media presence are more aims for 2020.

Providing advice and emergency support is a key aim of the foundation.

“Jack was the go-to person, his friends would say ‘What would you do?’ so there will always be somebody on the end of a phone to help,” David added.