Broadcaster Laura Fox and former news presenter Eileen Dunne are encouraging people across North Dublin to get behind a major national fundraiser supporting Ireland’s hospices.
The 2FM star and ex-news anchor joined forces with Hospice patient Declan Moore, who said the care he received saved his life.
The trio encouraged the public to support Ireland’s Biggest Coffee Morning for Hospice on September 24 at hospicecoffeemorning.ie
One of the country’s biggest fundraisers, it has generated €48.8million for Hospice care in Ireland since 1992.
“We are so lucky to have such caring Hospice staff right across Ireland,” said Ms Fox.
“If people can host a coffee morning, attend a relative or friend’s event, or donate, it will make a huge difference to the incredible work they carry out every day, caring for patients.”
Ms Dunne, who is a board director at St Francis Hospice in Dublin, said hospices give patients and their families ‘an outstanding level’ of care, dignity and compassion.
“Every cent raised locally in fundraisers such as these coffee mornings stays in local hospices, so hosts and supporters can be guaranteed it is used for the benefit of the community,” she said.
Communities right across North Dublin are encouraged to support this year’s fundraiser in gardens, community centres and sports clubs.
Fintan Fagan, CEO of St Francis Hospice, said: “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.
“We are asking everyone to support hospices nationwide, by hosting a coffee morning or donating what you can at an event or online.
“This support is invaluable and funds vital services and quality initiatives, greatly improving care for patients with life-limiting illness.”
Mr Moore, a father-of-two diagnosed with cancer and Parkinson’s disease within five years, credits Hospice care with saving his life.
The 67-year-old thought he would never make it home after being referred to St Francis Hospice in Blanchardstown.
“When I heard the word Hospice, I thought ‘is this the end?’
“You immediately think you’re in an end-of-life situation and I was quite scared of that.
“But thankfully my life has been prolonged, and on my second time there, they definitely saved my life.”
Data shows that of a total of 2,331 patients cared for by St Francis Hospice alone last year, 204 patients, or almost 9%, were discharged.
Register to host a coffee morning on Thursday, September 24 – or on a date that suits you – at hospicecoffeemorning.ie or call 0818 995 996. If you cannot host or attend a coffee morning, donate at: hospicecoffeemorning.ie/donate