Castledaly quilt in aid of oncology unit bought by Dubai donor

Members of the Castledaly Seniors Group crafted a beautiful quilt for a very worthy cause during the Covid-enforced lockdown. The quilt was auctioned and the proceeds were recently presented to the oncology unit of the Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore.

Bridgie Turner (née McAuley) was among the ladies who lovingly worked on creating the quilt. Bridgie’s granddaughter Rebecca Duffy was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma earlier this year and, as a result, Rebecca has undergone intensive treatment at the oncology unit in Tullamore and also in St James’s Hospital in Dublin.

The Castledaly ladies created the quilt in support of Rebecca and the health professionals who have worked so hard on her treatment.

The quilt was purchased by an anonymous donor in Dubai, so it has made its way from Castledaly to the Middle East thousands of miles away!

Rebecca’s parents Avril (née Turner) and Neil are very grateful to the buyer and all those who made separate donations. Combined with the sale of the quilt, a total of €550 was raised for the oncology unit.

Athlone native Avril and Neil moved from Ballyshannon to Athlone three years ago to open Riverdale House B&B, on the Clonown Road.

Veronica Lynch, staff nurse, received the cheque on behalf of the oncology unit. Sergeant Damien Connaughton, who is based in Athlone Garda Station, met the group at the hospital and was delighted to be involved in this great cause.

Veronica said that the money will go towards purchasing a ventilator to help keep patients cool while having treatment. She was very thankful to all the ladies who knitted the squares of the quilt and the person who bought the completed quilt.

In addition to Bridgie Turner, the other ladies who worked on the quilt were Mary Rafferty, Kathleen Martin, Nancy Judge, Mary Farrell, Rose Turley, Rosie Malone and Noeleen McGrath. They all worked individually on knitting squares of the quilt which were then sewn together by Bernie Farrell and Emer Holloway, the organisers of the project.

“To our Dubai buyer we want to let you know that we are forever grateful, and we hope the quilt brings you many years of happiness,” Bernie said.

Bernie thanked “every one of our beloved seniors for creating a special piece of craftsmanship”, and extended best wishes to Rebecca and her family.

Emer and Bernie also thanked the Westmeath Independent for highlighting the fundraiser and all those who have helped Rebecca on her journey to what everyone hopes will be a swift and full recovery.