A South Dublin woman has been honoured with a national award for her tireless efforts supporting her local Hospice.
Catherine O’Donoghue has been a rock of support for Our Lady’s Hospice & Care Services in Harold’s Cross for the last 15 years, and has urged the public to raise a cup for the care the organisation provides within the local community.
Catherine has been hosting a coffee morning in her home since 2010, some years attracting over 50 attendees.
The Ranelagh-based retiree, who has raised over €43,000 to date, says the loyalty of her friends to the effort is what keeps her raising funds every year.
This is the 34th year of Ireland’s Biggest Coffee Morning for Hospice, which officially takes place across Ireland on September 24 – but people can host on a date that suits them.
“I was inspired by a sister of my friend who was a fundraising manager, we saw what she did, decided to host an event in my house and never stopped,” she said.
“The hospice touches everyone, and our friends and family have been so loyal, even sending donations when they can’t attend the coffee morning in person.
“Hospice is an incredible service and people don’t always understand the extent of what they do.
“People think you walk in and don’t walk out, and that isn’t always the case – from respite care to in-home services, there is a huge amount that the hospice do for the community.”
Mary Flanagan, CEO, Our Lady’s Hospice & Care Services Harold’s Cross, Blackrock and Wicklow, 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.
“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.
“This support is invaluable and funds vital services and quality initiatives, greatly improving care for patients with life-limiting illness.”
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, you can donate at: hospicecoffeemorning.ie/donate