Mater Hospital patient gives back after an ovarian cancer scare

Mater Hospital Patient Nikki is joining the Marilyn ‘Sisterhood’ in Donabate on Sunday, May 24, to give back for the wonderful care she received following her ovarian cancer scare.

In 2023, Nikki Veasey was referred to the Mater Public Hospital after a large growth was discovered in her abdomen.

Tests were coming back inconclusive, so Nikki would have to wait until surgery to learn if her tumour was cancerous or not.

Nikki shares, “I didn’t know if I was going to survive the surgery. Did I have cancer? I wasn’t sure what I was facing.”

“Eventually, surgery revealed I had a multiloculated tumour or giant mucinous ovarian cyst… it weighed 26-pounds! It had encompassed one of my ovaries, and one of the pockets within it was borderline cancerous.

“But overall, I was lucky, I didn’t have cancer.”

She continues, “The care I received at the Mater was exceptional. The nurses and doctors provided constant reassurance, taking the time to answer every question I had.

“Their support made an incredibly difficult time more manageable, and I genuinely believe that without them, I would not be here today.

“They went above and beyond in every possible way.”

To give back for the care she received in the Mater, Nikki will be donning her blonde wig and taking part in Marilyn’s Mater Paddle on Sunday 24^th May.

The Paddle taking place at the Shoreline Hotel on Donabate Beach will see Nikki, and hundreds of women fundraising to support Women’s Cancer Care in the Mater Public Hospital – an incredibly important cause and timely purpose-driven following this year’s World Ovarian Cancer Day.

Nikki adds, “I’m really looking forward to going to Marilyn’s Mater Paddle. To meet the people that are doing it for their relatives and those who had their own experiences.

“My surgery was the first time I was ever a patient at the Mater and the wonderful hospital staff who cared for me made the whole thing bearable.

“I’d never been more frightened of anything in my life and was so blessed to be so well looked after.”

Now in its third year, Marilyn’s Mater Paddle brings together patients, families, hospital staff and supporters from across Ireland for a fun, inclusive and uplifting event that combines community spirit, a splash of glamour and a powerful cause.

Participants are invited to don their blonde wigs, channel their inner Marilyn, and take part in a gentle sea paddle, or simply soak up the atmosphere beachside, all while raising vital funds for women receiving cancer care at the Mater.

After our Marilyns emerge from their sea dip, they will make their way back to the Shoreline Hotel in Donabate, for a chic ‘Marilyn Mixer’ party, with refreshments and swinging tunes.

Registration for Marilyn’s Mater Paddle 2026 is €25 and spaces are limited. Participants receive a Marilyn pack including a wig, sunglasses and pin badge, along with entry to the paddle and post-event celebrations. We ask Marilyns to share their fundraisng pages far and wide for Women’s Cancer Care! On the day, Marilyns will receive a goody-bag kindly sponsored by Bellamianta.

Courtney McGoldrick, Marketing Projects, Campaigns and Events Manager from Bellamianta shares, “We’re incredibly proud to support Marilyn’s Mater Paddle, an event that brings together fun, friendship, and an amazing sense of community for such an important cause.

“At Bellamianta, we believe in empowering women to feel confident and supported, and this event perfectly reflects that spirit of strength, positivity, and togetherness. The work being done to support women receiving cancer care at the Mater is truly inspiring, and we’re honoured to play a small part in helping raise awareness and vital funds for those who need it most.”

Individual and team sign-ups available. Full event details and registration information are available at marilyn.materfoundation.ie.

You can also find out more by visiting www.materfoundation.ie or call the Mater Hospital Foundation on 01 830 3482.