Cork woman recognised for fundraising efforts in aid of Marymount

A Cork woman has been recognised for her fundraising efforts for Mayrmount University Hospital and Hospice.

Bernice Kavanagh, from Ballincollig, has organised Ireland’s Biggest Coffee Morning for Hospice at Ballincollig GAA Club sine 2015, raising close to €50,000.

She organises the event in memory of and in tribute to her late sister Hilary Walker, who passed away there in 2014, aged 54.

“The support Hilary and her family received in the days prior to her passing at Marymount was amazing, on the last evening, nine of us stayed with her,” said Bernice.

“Marymount helped us on a very difficult journey by providing comfort and quality time.

“Hilary always had a great sense of humour, which we fondly remember, and we were able to laugh about things she said and did.

“From the moment she arrived, it was all about what Hilary and her family wanted. It was incredible,” said Bernice.

Hilary’s first anniversary coincided with the day of Ireland’s Biggest Coffee Morning for Hospice that year.

“Ballincollig GAA Club had just refurbished its bar, so I asked if they could showcase it with the fundraising event.

“We put up a picture of her and had a terrific day. Ten years later, we have had to move to the larger hall.

“We have a memory table with photographs of club members who passed away in Marymount. It is lovely to see people remembered in this way,” added Bernice, who paid tribute to Ballincollig GAA Club and everyone who has supported the event in any way.

Bernice’s efforts were recently recognised when she was presented with a Together for Hospice National Super Host Award at St Francis Hospice in Dublin’s Blanchardstown.

This year, Ireland’s Biggest Coffee Morning for Hospice takes place on September 24 and organisers hope to raise over €2 million. Supporters can host or attend a coffee morning on Thursday, or on another date that suits them, with every cent raised going to their local hospice.

Sarah McCloskey, CEO, Marymount University Hospital and Hospice, said that the support of Ireland’s Biggest Coffee Morning for Hospice is invaluable and funds vital services and quality initiatives, greatly improving care for patients with life-limiting illness.

“Ireland’s Biggest Coffee Morning for Hospice, one of our longest and most-loved fundraisers, is now in its 34th year raising funds for Hospice in-patient and community services around Ireland,” she said.

“No matter where you live in Ireland, we are asking everyone to celebrate our countless coffee morning hosts, who give so selflessly of their time and energy in their local communities.”

Together for Hospice, The National Hospice Movement, represents 24 Hospice and specialist palliative homecare providers supporting patients and their families across Ireland.

Fundraised income is used by local hospice services to fund new buildings, refurbishment of existing buildings, staff, extra comforts for patients and their families, and innovative patient care projects nationwide.

Funds raised through Together For Hospice campaigns support some of the core services funded by the HSE.

• To register to host a coffee morning see hospicecoffeemorning.ie or call 0818 995 996.
• If you cannot host or attend a coffee morning, you can donate at: hospicecoffeemorning.ie/donate