Daughter of Paudie Palmer to undergo daunting challenge to raise funds for Cork hospital

THE daughter of GAA broadcaster Paudie Palmer is taking part in a fundraiser in memory of her father who passed away following a collision just 500 metres from their family home.

The father of two who taught for 40 years at St Brogan’s College in Bandon and was a columnist for The Echo newspaper and commentated on GAA for Cork radio stations was hospitalised in the aftermath of the crash but later passed away at Cork University Hospital (CUH).

Earlier this month, a 35-year-old man was found guilty of dangerous driving causing his death and was jailed for six years.

Mr Palmer’s daughter Claire has set up a GoFundMe page in a bid to raise funds for the hospital that she said made a real impact on her father and their whole family.

Ms Palmer said that she and some work colleagues at Blackrock Dental in Dublin wanted to take part in this year’s Hell and Back challenge on June 8 and that her boss and his wife suggested raising some money in memory of her father Paudie.

Speaking to The Echo about her fundraising efforts, she said: “Ever since dad’s passing, I always wanted to do something for him but I just didn't know in what way and so when work suggested this to me I thought ‘this is perfect’. 

"It's a bit of fun but there's work involved in an eight-kilometre obstacle course, but we'll have fun doing it.” 

Speaking about why she chose to fundraise for CUH and for the Dunmanway Day Unit, ICU and A&E departments specifically, she said: “When dad was diagnosed with multiple myeloma back in 2019, he had a stem cell transplant but prior to that he was getting his chemo treatments in the Dunmanway Day Unit at Cork University Hospital.

“He would bring them gifts at Easter and at Christmas time because he was just really grateful for what they had done for him and it can be a daunting place to go at the best of times but he had the craic with the nurses and time went by in no time.

“Then, fast forward to the accident and the A&E department and where he was then afterwards in the ICU - they just did absolutely fantastic work.

“People don't know how much work they do behind the scenes until you're actually thrown into the situation, be it yourself or family. They're not just caring for the patient, they're caring for the patient's family.

“It’s about trying to give the patient the best care of which they do but it's also giving the family their time and dedication and feeling that their questions are being answered and their feelings are heard.” 

Ms Palmer said she hopes that any extra money will help the hospital to fund essential equipment which will in turn help more families.

“Our experience won’t be able to help anyone else's because everyone’s experience as to why they are in ICU or A&E is completely different but if I’m able to raise funds to help the newest technology be provided for these departments, even a fraction of what something might cost and have it go towards it, then I know I’m doing my best.” 

Ms Palmer gave special thanks to her work colleagues at Blackrock Dental for their support over the last 18 months which she said has been invaluable, especially being so far away from family.

To donate to the dedicated GoFundMe page, visit www.gofundme.com/f/cork-university-hospital.