A LOCAL woman who volunteers with Our Lady’s Hospice & Care Services was declared a hero at a special ceremony in St Francis Hospice, Blanchardstown, last week.
Josephine Herlihy is just one of many ‘Hospice Heroes’ taking part in Hospice Sunflower Days on Friday and Saturday, June 8&9.
Thousands of patients and their loved ones use hospice and homecare services every year and every euro raised by the Sunflower Days is spent locally.
Josephine is a huge support to the fundraising team at very busy times of the year such as Christmas and for Sunflower Days every June.
She coordinates more than 300 volunteers over three weeks, and her drive, patience and support is instrumental to the campaign's success.
Josephine got involved with the hospice service 10 years ago, after being incredibly touched with level of care provided to her sister who sadly passed away in Our Lady’s Hospice & Care services.
Hosting last week’s ceremony in Blanchardstown, RTÉ broadcaster, Mary Kennedy commended the volunteers and called on the public to support Hospice Sunflower Days 2018.
“There is tremendous goodwill by people in Ireland towards their local hospices and once again, I am encouraging the public to show their support for Hospice Sunflower Days,” she said.
“The care and support afforded to families in need is vitally important. By buying a sunflower from one of the many volunteers, you are helping to bring comfort and dignity to people at the end-of-life.
“You could even go one step further – join the ranks of the Hospice Heroes and volunteer for Hospice Sunflower Days 2018 if you have a few hours to spare.
“I am honoured to meet the Hospice Heroes today – a group of incredibly inspiring people – who have made a big impact on the lives of patients and their families.
“Their kindness and commitment to volunteering with their local hospice has made a huge difference to people at what can be a painful and lonely time.”
Now in its 28th year, the funds raised will directly support hospices and homecare services to buy crucial equipment, hire specially trained palliative nurses, refurbish facilities and gardens and provide high-quality home and in-patient care.
Hospice care is provided free of charge to people with terminal and life-limiting conditions.
Pat Quinlan, Chair of the Voluntary Hospice Groups said the population of those over the age of 65 in Ireland is set to triple in the next three decades.
“With that, demand for hospice and homecare services is set to increase,” he added.
“The nature of hospice care means that we must be in a position to respond in an appropriate and timely manner at all times.
“Hospices across the country are more reliant now than ever on the generosity and goodwill or our wonderful supporters and volunteers.”
To donate or volunteer for Hospice Sunflower Days visit www.sunflowerdays.ie.
