The only dedicated children's hospice in Ireland will cost €5 million to run this year, however less than €1 million of that will come from the State.

LauraLynn provides clinical care, healthcare support and palliative care services to children with exceptional and life-limiting conditions. This year, it needs to generate €4.2 million through fundraising to ensure these services can be delivered. It has launched details of its fundraising gala event - the LauraLynn Heroes Ball, which will take place next month in Dublin.

The theme of this year's ball is ‘Not Every Hero Wears a Mask'. It aims to celebrate all the courageous children who have benefitted from this vital service.

"This is our third LauraLynn Heroes ball and each year they keep getting better and better. The energy and positivity that surrounds this event each year is incredible, and it's humbling to be a part of it all," commented Carmel Breheny, chairperson of the LauraLynn Heroes Ball.

Broadcaster, Miriam O'Callaghan, will be host and MC on the night.

"I'm delighted to be MC for LauraLynn's Heroes Ball. It's a great excuse to put on the glad rags, have a night on the town, and do it all for a wonderful cause. I'm honoured to have been involved with LauraLynn from the start and to have witnessed the very real differences that LauraLynn makes to the lives of seriously ill children and their families," she said.

The event will take place in the Intercontinental Hotel in Ballsbridge, Dublin, on May 12. Tickets are available by contacting Claire or Jacqui on (01) 289 3151 or by clicking here

*Pictured are broadcasters, Miriam O'Callaghan and Alan Hughes