There are few of us who have not been affected by cancer either directly or indirectly and many of us have experienced first-hand the invaluable services provided by Galway Hospice and Mayo Roscommon Hospice. Edel Hyland, her family and friends fall into both categories.
Back in April, Edel, who was diagnosed with Stage 4 breast cancer almost 3 years ago, and her friends Martina Jennings, Sharon Hughes and Niamh Reilly, all from Shrule, Co. Mayo attended a charity event in aid of Mayo Roscommon Hospice. They were overwhelmed by the amount raised and by the positivity of the speakers (some of whom are terminally ill ) and left the event feeling very uplifted and inspired to do something similar for others.
Hence, the idea for the ‘Stronger Together with Edel’ fundraiser was born. Edel’s sister Maureen Forde from Luimnagh, Corrandulla, joined the group and in mid-May, the five began planning an event which would take place some weeks ago in The Lodge at Ashford Castle, in Long.
Because Edel had received palliative home care and in-patient treatment in Mayo Hospice, and Niamh’s dad Padraic had passed away there just over a year ago, plus Edel & Maureen’s sister Brigid had passed away in Galway Hospice in April 2022, it was decided that the funds raised would be divided equally between the two foundations.
For the summer months, the five worked tirelessly contacting celebrities, seeking sponsorship, and collecting raffles prizes across the West of Ireland and beyond. Tickets for the event sold out within a few days so an iDonate page was set up to allow those who could not get tickets but wanted to support the cause to do so.
The event on October 5 was phenomenal. Entitled ‘Lunch in Style’ it began with a cocktail reception, followed by a 3 course lunch, during which Martina Jennings (CEO of Mayo Roscommon Hospice ) & Charlene Hurley, (Director of Fundraising, Galway Hospice ) informed the attendees about the great work that the Hospices do; the key message from the day being that Hospice services are not only there to help those dying from serious illnessbut also to help those living withchronic illness, and their families.
A talk from Dr Harry Barry, expert on Mental Health issues, underpinned this message, as did a panel discussion with Miriam O’Callaghan, author Cathy Kelly and family therapist with Mayo Roscommon Hospice Laura Coleman. There were 227 in attendance. There were fabulous goodie bags for everyone, and over 180 raffles prizes for the lucky winners.
MC for the day was Kieran O’Malley and entertainment was provided by Don Stiffe, Joe Forde, Glen & Saibh Hardiman, Claire Igoe, Trad on the Prom, Marc Roberts, Leo Moran and D.J. Benen Tierney with a fashion show from Style Kloset & Mrs Teas. Also present at the event were Mary Lardiner & Joanna Jordan representing ‘The Joe & Helen O’Toole Charitable Trust, Tuam’, the main sponsors of the event.
The atmosphere in the room was electric; full of love, joy & hope. In total €123,078 was raised for Hospice services in the West. The group would like to thank all those who donated their time, expertise, spot/raffle prizes, goodie bag items and of course money. It was a truly memorable day.
