The Traitors Ireland star Denis, who lost his uncle to cancer, urges support for Marymount

Traitors Ireland star Denis Ryan is calling on people across Cork to sign up and host a coffee morning event in support of Marymount, following his experience with the hospice during his uncle's illness.

All funds raised through the events, which come as part of the wider Ireland’s Biggest Coffee Morning Social for Hospice campaign, will go directly to Marymount.

The appeal has a particularly personal significance for the West Cork man, following the loss of his uncle.

“We lost my Uncle Denis five years ago to cancer,” said Mr Ryan, who is from Leap, outside Skibbereen.

“Denis was only in Marymount for a short time before he died, but I will forever be grateful to the care, respect and dignity provided by the incredible staff.

“Even on my Traitors Ireland experience, Denis was by my side. I wore his coat on my final day in honour of him. He would have absolutely loved seeing us, and his coat, on television.

“Our memories of him remain brighter and lighter because of the gentle care provided by Marymount.” 

Denis, who has now been voted off the Traitors TV show, appeared in the hit series with husband Diego Caixeta, who is still in contention to win.

Denis recently told RTÉ that he has his own television series in the works. He said it has been optioned by a TV production company in LA, and is a comedy which he hopes will be set and filmed in Ireland.

The official date for Ireland’s Biggest Coffee Morning Social for Hospice is September 24, but event organisers are encouraged to pick another day if it doesn’t suit.

For more information, or to get involved, visit marymount.ie.