A Kildysart fundraising effort has received national recognition for its volunteer work for its local hospice service provider, Milford Care Centre in Limerick.
Frankie O’Shea, who raises funds each year for the centre, does so in tribute to his late wife Philomena, who passed away in 2023.
Philomena and her cousin, Sheila Hill, fundraised for the local Cahercalla Hospice in Ennis for 20 years before it partnered with Milford.
And while she did not require hospice care before her death, Frankie continued the fundraising efforts to commemorate Philomena.
His work was honoured with a Together for Hospice National Super Host Award at a recent ceremony at St Francis Hospice in Dublin’s Blanchardstown.
Running right across Ireland, Ireland’s Biggest Coffee Morning for Hospice aims to raise over €2million and takes place on Thursday, September 24.
However, supporters can host or attend a coffee morning on a date that suits them, with every cent raised going to their local hospice.
“Philomena and I were well aware of what hospice care meant and the numbers who would need it. That was the thinking,” said Frankie, who has now moved to organising a fundraising raffle at The Square in Kildysart.
“Philomena and Sheila set up the coffee morning. It was not about someone they knew. It was about the facility.
“That was Philomena’s style. She was very caring and was always prepared to make an effort in any way she could.
“We are coming up on a quarter of a century fundraising for hospice now. Over the past 12 years we have raised just short of €30,000.”
According to Mary O’Brien, CEO, Milford Hospice Homecare, support of Ireland’s Biggest Coffee Morning for Hospice is invaluable and funds vital services and quality initiatives, greatly improving care for patients with life-limiting illness.
“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,” she said.
“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.”
Together for Hospice, The National Hospice Movement, represents 24 Hospice and specialist palliative homecare providers supporting patients and their families across Ireland.
Fundraised income is used by local hospice services to fund new buildings, refurbishment of existing buildings, staff, extra comforts for patients and their families, and innovative patient care projects nationwide.
Funds raised through Together For Hospice campaigns support some of the core services funded by the HSE.
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