A new campaign launched today urges people to ‘Give It Up’ in a bid to raise much-needed funds for Our Lady’s Hospital, Crumlin and the National Children’s Research Centre in Dublin.

To raise some much-needed funds for the Children’s Hospital in Crumlin, all you need to do is raise donations by giving something up for 40 days. It could be the sneaky chocolate bar you have after lunch or your weekend chipper visit – it’s all for a good cause!

It’s not just your favourite food you can give up – it could also be those shopping sprees you don’t need or you could even take something up such as running to raise funds for the campaign!

Irish rugby player Johnny Sexton and SKY Sports presenter Rachel Wyse, were on hand to help the fundraising body of the hospital, CMRF Crumlin to raise awareness of the new campaign. The famous faces were also joined by hospital patients Jaden and Aoife to appeal to the public to lend a hand in the fund-raising.

All money raised will go towards new projects and cutting-edge equipment at Our Lady’s Children's Hospital, as well as pioneering paediatric medical research at the National Children’s Research Centre.

Commenting on the campaign, Johnny Sexton said: “The ‘Give It Up’ campaign is an excellent campaign and will go a long way to help raise funds for the hospital. It’s such an inspiration to meet some of the patients at the hospital today and witness their positive spirit and courage, despite the health problems they are facing."

Donations are at the public’s discretion and all gestures at giving up are welcome – simply log on towww.giveitup.ie today.