On the 13th June 2021, one of the hottest Sundays ever, my world changed forever when I lost my husband, Paul, in an instant. Paul should not have died that day. It was Father's Day the following Sunday. Paul was such an inspirational father to our three children. The journey since then, has been one of profound grief, resilience, and rediscovery. In the midst of loss, I found strength I didn’t know I had—and a new path that led me to where I am today: a director and co-founder of BoardX, an Irish Regulatory Technology Governance Risk Compliance SaaS provider making strides on a global stage.

Through this experience, I’ve been reminded time and again of the power of community and the not-for-profit sector. In the early days after my husband’s passing, still in the midst of complete shock, on a hot September Weekend, Paul’s former colleagues, friends and our community gathered for a charity cycle in his memory on our behalf, raising over €46,000. This amount was generously donated to several charities that supported causes close to my and my children’s hearts. It was such a gesture of kindness and solidarity from everyone that touched my family deeply, showing us that even in our darkest moments, we are not alone. These organisations, many of which are part of the Charities Institute Ireland’s membership base, bring immense support, compassion, and strength to people in need every day, creating such a social impact.

Now, as part of the team at BoardX, I am privileged to work in a company that supports not-for-profits by making governance, risk, and compliance simpler, more efficient, and more strategic. From day one, BoardX has been a place where innovation meets impact, and where we believe deeply in empowering organisations to focus on their mission rather than the complexity of regulatory requirements. I know my husband would be proud to see me immersed in work that both challenges and fulfils me—and ultimately supports the kind of organisations that made such a difference to us.

At BoardX, we’re proud to work alongside clients in the charity sector, helping them navigate the often complex world of compliance so they can focus on what truly matters: creating positive change in people’s lives. We’re honoured to play a small role in helping these incredible organisations continue their work, and I’m personally grateful to contribute to a field that aligns so closely with my values.

To anyone going through unexpected challenges, know this: the future is still full of possibility. The not-for-profit sector and its inspiring community have shown me that even in the most darkest and toughest times, there are ways to give, connect, and find joy again. I’m living proof that we can rebuild, find purpose, and thrive surrounded by a community of support. With gratitude and my husband’s memory as my guiding force, I move forward each day, inspired by his legacy of kindness and a ‘yes, we can’ spirit, not stopping to support as we, as a family, were.

Thank you to the countless organisations out there who are making such a difference. You do a fantastic job that sometimes goes unnoticed but without you, we would not survive. Here’s to the ripple effect of generosity, resilience, and growth. 

It’s in this spirit of community and support that I share my story, as we approach Giving Tuesday—an international day dedicated to kindness, generosity, and reflection. Giving Tuesday is a time to remember the incredible impact we can have when we come together to give back. The kindness shown to my family in our hardest moments is a testament to the power of giving, and it inspires me to encourage others to spread that same generosity. Let’s unite to uplift the charities and causes that make a real difference and continue creating a world where no one has to face their struggles alone.