Ireland's only hospice for children needs €5 million to maintain its services for this year alone, and €4.3 million of this has to be raised through fundraising, it has said.

The LauraLynn hospice has launched its annual campaign, Children's Hospice Week, which will run from May 20-26. It aims to raise awareness and vital funds for children's hospice care services.

Since opening in September 2011, LauraLynn has provided specialised hospice care to over 370 children with life-limiting conditions and their families.

According to LauraLynn CEO, Orla O'Brien, events such as Children's Hospice Week 'are critical' in helping to achieve fundraising targets.

"As Ireland's only children's hospice, we provide vital palliative care services for children with life-limiting conditions. The a hospice focuses on how a child and their family can live at home with their condition and provides support to the wider family, who are often under immense physical, emotional and financial pressure.

"LauraLynn supports the whole family and focuses on the quality of the child's life to make the most of their time together," she explained.

The week is supported by Virgin Media and one of the main events due to take place is the Children's Hospice Telethon, which will be televised on May 22.

According to Ireland AM producer, Sinead Ryan, since 2015, the show and its viewers have raised over €350,000 for the hospice.

Meanwhile, the week is also supported by the Gaelic Players Association (GPA). According to its CEO, Paul Flynn, it is 'absolutely delighted' to be involved with the event.

"The work carried out here is fantastic. It is vital to ensure the best possible care for sick children from all over Ireland, but also to provide support to their families in one of the most difficult times they will ever face.

"We encourage everyone to get involved in some way over the coming week and help the Laura Lynn Hospice reach their fundraising target," Mr Flynn said.

For more information on Children's Hospice Week, click here

*Pictured launching Children's Hospice Week are Ireland AM presenter, Alan Hughes, and Cian Murphy