Cork public urged to celebrate life-saving work during Gratitude Week

The Browne family from Ballygarvan know all too well how powerful gratitude can be after Barry Browne underwent a single lung transplant at the Mater.
The Mater Hospital Foundation is calling on the Cork public to join in celebrating the life-saving work of the Mater Hospital by supporting Gratitude Week.
Taking place this September, culminating in World Gratitude Day on Sunday, September 21, the initiative is an opportunity to honour the people who make an extraordinary difference to the lives of Mater patients, incluidng frontline healthcare teams to families, carers and communities.
The foundation is encouraging everyone to get involved, whether it is organising a fundraising event in your local community, or just donating online.
The Browne family from Ballygarvan in Cork know just how powerful gratitude can be. In 2020, Barry Browne received a single lung transplant at the Mater after living with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) for over six years.
In 2024, to say thanks for the exceptional care he received, Barry and his community organised the Ballygarvan Tractor Run, raising an incredible €47,500 for the Mater’s Transplant Ward.
A spokesperson for the Mater Hospital Foundation said that every euro raised helps transform care at the Mater, from funding cutting edge equipment and redeveloping tired outdated facilities, to supporting families, and investing in life changing research.
Speaking about Gratitude Week, Angi McNulty community fundraising specialist with the Mater Hospital Foundation said: "Every day, I am honoured to meet patients and families from all over Ireland who tell me about the exceptional care they have received.
she said.
“I’m here to support you every step of the way, so if you have an idea for a fundraiser, or simply want to donate to support the Mater Hospital’s life-saving work, I’d love to hear from you. Let’s turn appreciation into action, together”
Further information on Gratitude Week is available online by visiting: www.materfoundation.ie/gratitudeweek