Cork town hosts Nathan Carter for major fundraiser in aid of local causes

Nathan Carter, one of Ireland’s leading music performers, will take to the stage at The Arches in Mallow on October 25 for a major fundraising concert benefiting the Irish Kidney Association, Breakthrough Cancer Research, and the Alzheimer Society of Ireland.

Nathan’s wagon wheels have rolled into Mallow before.

“I’ve played in Mallow long ago,” says Nathan. “And I love performing at Cork Opera House. It’s special.”

He fondly remembers Mallow before he became a worldwide country music star.

“I think my first gig there was in the Hazel Tree when I started out at 15,” says Nathan.

He’s gearing up for another visit soon.

“Catherine Daly is doing a great job organising this fundraising event for such important charities. I think around 700 tickets have sold so far.”

Nathan, like many of us, has been touched by cancer throughout the years.

“Every family has experienced the awful effects of cancer in their lives at some point,” he says.

“And I know that Alzheimer’s is getting more prevalent.”

His granny is still going strong.

“Granny is great” says Nathan. “She’s getting a bit more forgetful. But that’s OK!”

How did Catherine nab the popular country music star?

“I’ve been following Nathan for a number of years,” says Catherine.

I did my research and contacted his tour manager to try and see could I book Nathan. A date was agreed, and the deal was done!

Catherine, along with her North Cork locals, Ollie Kiely, Dawn Moore and Jen McCarthy, organised the fundraiser concert because they received vital support from the three charities.

“Our family’s life changed dramatically when dad encountered a life-threatening health crisis,” says Catherine.

“It came out of the blue, because he was always healthy and fit.

“Daddy had urgent dialysis treatment, and he was under the wonderful care of Dr Liam Plant in Cork for over a decade,” says Catherine.

“Six years ago, dad got a second chance at life through a lifesaving kidney transplant, a gift from the family of an organ donor. He was fine after a few weeks and didn’t need any more dialysis.

We are so grateful and we realise somebody had to lose their life so we could gain daddy.

Catherine’s family have endured loss due to cancer.

“You often don’t realise the significance of charitable organisations until you are personally affected by them,” says Catherine.

“These three charities, IKA, BTCR and the Alzheimer’s Society, have been incredible in supporting our loved ones, thanks to the dedicated efforts of their teams.

“When my father received an organ donation, it opened our eyes to the importance of discussing end-of-life wishes with the family.

“Like many families impacted by cancer, we have travelled a challenging journey.

“Cancer Research requires substantial funding to ensure quality of life and to support adequate research.

“My understanding of Alzheimer’s has also unfortunately grown significantly in recent years. The Mallow Day Care Centre is an exceptional facility, and it’s crucial to raise awareness while providing a welcoming and safe environment for people living with dementia.”

There is always a welcome on the mat for Billy Hickey at Mallow Day Care Centre.

“Dad goes to the day care centre three days a week,” says Sinead Hickey. “And he loves it.

“Mum is dad’s full-time care and now she gets a break to do things for herself when he is happy out at day care.”

Billy, 81, who has Alzheimer’s, enjoys the company.

“The social activities and the company is great at Mallow Day Care Centre where they treat Alzheimer’s and dementia,” says Sinead.

Billy is in good hands.

“The staff are trained to know exactly what to do and how to treat each individual,” says Sinead.

“They have great patience and realise it is important to listen to the clients.”

They listen to Billy.

“Dad loves singing!” says Sinead. “He thinks it’s a big deal.”

Billy is accompanied.

“A staff member plays the guitar!” adds Sinead.

The atmosphere and the comfort of Mallow Day Care Centre is fabulous. It is the perfect place where everybody is content and where everybody is safe. There are no worries, and we all have peace of mind.

Caring for a loved one can be hard work.

“Caring for somebody is full on,” says Sinead.

“It is important that mum gets a break.”

Billy motors happily off to Mallow Day Care Centre.

“He loves going off on the bus that runs Monday to Thursday,” says Sinead.

“Everybody he meets there is so nice and so kind.”

Will Sinead be heading off to Nathan’s concert on Friday, October 25 at The Arches, Mallow?

“It’s a wonderful gesture on behalf of Catherine and her helpers,” says Sinead.

“I’ll be there!”

Mairead Dillon, Head of Fundraising for the Alzheimer Society of Ireland, said; “A huge thank you to Catherine and her fellow organisers; we are very fortunate to have such fantastic and vibrant supporters who have gone above and beyond in their fundraising efforts, helping us to continue supporting people living with dementia and their families.

“The Alzheimer Society of Ireland is a vital source of support for those affected by the condition in communities across Ireland.

We really appreciate the organising committee for their commitment to helping those in need.

All three charities are thankful to Catherine and her crew.

“We are deeply honoured to be part of this remarkable event,” says Eoghan O’Sullivan, Fundraising Manager for Breakthrough Cancer Research.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Catherine and her organising committee for their dedication and tireless efforts in making this fundraiser a success.

“The funds received from the event will help BTCR in our mission to make more survivors of cancer through research and be invested in new programmes to develop new and better ways to detect and treat currently difficult-to-treat cancers.”

Lisa Fitzgerald, Fundraising Manager with the Irish Kidney Association, knows how dedicated Catherine and her committee are to raise vital funds for essential charities.

“We can see how dedicated she is to make sure this is a huge success and an enjoyable experience,” says Lisa.

“We hope the IKA and our fellow charities, BTCR and the Alzheimer Society of Ireland, with the money raised, helps those that need it most.”

Nathan Carter will give it welly in The Arches on October 25.

“It’ll be great to be back in Mallow again,” says Nathan.

I know a lot of people there and I have made good friends there - and I have fond memories too.

Nathan is promising a wow show.

“We’ll have a ball - come on up and say ‘hello’!”

Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite Kiely’s Garage Mallow and NathanCarterMusic.com. They cost €30 plus booking fee.

The evening will also feature support band The 3 Buachailli.