Leo’s walk does it again for Cappagh

A FORMER patient of Cappagh Hospital in Finglas once again spearheaded what has become an annual walk held in appreciation for treatment that helped ease years of pain.

While most hospital patients feel immense gratitude towards doctors and staff in the wake of a successful procedure, Leo Halpin went one step further.

Leo, from Oldtown, originally went to the hospital crippled with hip pain and problems with sleeping. However, after receiving successful hip surgery in 2005, he  swore he would do whatever he could to repay the hospital.

And this year he helped organise the 12th ‘Leo Halpin and Cappagh Ex-Patients ‘Great Cappagh Walk’ in his hometown.

This event is a firm fixture on the events calendar of the Cappagh National Orthopaedic Hospital’s (CNOH) Fundraising arm, Cappagh Hospital Foundation (CHF).

The CNOH and the CHF enjoyed outstanding support from past patients and their communities in Oldtown and neighbouring towns.

The 2017 event was a day of fun and entertainment for young and old alike – and this year it exceeded all expectations, grossing over €13,000.

To date, Leo’s walk has succeeded in raising  well over €110,000 for the hospital.

Orla Gilroy, CEO of the Cappagh Hospital Foundation, expressed her gratitude for his efforts.

“Leo is one of our most valued and respected volunteer fundraisers,” she said.

“His efforts, along with his superb team of supporters, have made an incredible and very valuable contribution to the care and treatment of patients at Cappagh Hospital.

“We are truly indebted to Leo and his team for this absolutely amazing achievement – they are all true Cappagh Champions!”

The money raised from this year’s event will go towards the hospital’s dedicated patient and family room – an oasis in Cappagh.

Past funding from the walk has had a huge impact on Cappagh Hospital, contributing to projects such as the Post Anaesthetic Recovery Room, a 10-bed isolation unit and a 3T MRI scanner, all which have tangible benefits for patients.

“On behalf of Leo, and everyone at Cappagh Hospital Foundation, sincere thanks to the many who contributed to the success of this event,” Ms Gilroy added.

“That includes the ladies who baked tirelessly to ensure a fantastic array of bread and cakes on the day; the local farmers and businesses who donated to the Farmers’ Market and charity raffle; those who participated in the Vintage Car Display; SuperValu Balbriggan for their generous sponsorship of the BBQ and for donating the top prize in the raffle; the  management and staff of Oldtown House for hosting the event and their warm hospitality throughout the day; and finally, to all those who gave their time to help with the preparations for the event and for their invaluable assistance on the day and all of those who walked in the rain.”

She concluded: “It was truly humbling to watch how this fantastic community came together in the name of Cappagh Hospital.” 

Cappagh National Orthopaedic Hospital is Ireland’s major centre for elective orthopaedic surgery. Cappagh has been the pioneer of orthopaedic Surgery in Ireland and is now the biggest dedicated orthopaedic hospital in the country.

The hospital was founded in 1908 under the care of the Religious Sisters of Charity.