FAMOUS for his work with the Jack and Jill Foundation, Jonathan Irwin founded the charity following the tragic death of his son at 22 months old.

Determined that other parents would not have to go through the hardship his family did to nurse their sick child at home, Irwin has worked tirelessly ever since to help others in a similar situation. Now a new book, Jack and Jill: The Story of Jonathan Irwin, is to both tell his story and help to make up the €200,000 shortfall in donations that the charity is facing in 2014. The book gives full details of the story behind the charity, the struggles to establish and maintain it and its ongoing fundraising efforts.

Irwin was also involved in the early days of Ryanair and we get a fascinating insight into his relationship with Michael O’Leary, who had a very different vision from Jonathan as to where the company should go.

It finishes on the political chapter yet to be written around Jonathan’s stated intention to run in the next election, with a view to shaking up the status quo on medical cards, children’s rights, the new children’s hospital, caring for the carers and ensuring that the money follows the patient right into the home.

Described by Tracy Piggott as “quite simply one of the most colourful, forward-thinking, and open-minded people I have ever come across”, Irwin and the Jack and Jill Foundation have made an immeasurable positive impact on many lives.

The Story of Jonathan Irwin is available to buy in hardback in book stores nationwide and online at www.jackandjill.ie. All proceeds from the book will go to the foundation.