Renowned broadcaster urging local support for major hospice fundraiser

Broadcaster Marty Morrissey is encouraging people across South Westmeath to get behind a major national fundraiser supporting the ‘angels’ in Ireland’s hospices.

His words were echoed by Clare Lennon, Chairperson, South Westmeath Hospice, who said that the funds raised from the initiative would go towards hospice in-patient and community services both locally and nationally.

“Throughout South Westmeath, 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," Clare said.

Meanwhile, the RTÉ gaelic games commentator said he is conscious of his own mortality and would like to receive hospice care in his final days, having witnessed it first-hand.

Morrissey was speaking as ambassador for Bewley’s Big Coffee Morning for Hospice, the annual charity partnership which has raised €47.6million for hospice care since 1992.

The fundraiser, organised by Together for Hospice, takes place nationwide on September 25.

“My lust for life is as strong today as it was when I was 22 or 23, but as you get older, you’re far more conscious of getting blood tests done, dreading the results but hoping everything is fine.

“It is the circle of life, all we can do is hope that we can put it (death) off for as long as we can. I’m in no rush to get to the other side," Morrissey said.

Morrissey said he personally witnessed the compassion shown by hospice staff when relatives received palliative care in the past.

“I thought it was amazing. Anyone who has visited a loved one in a hospice will be aware of the serenity, peace and joy, the good feeling that a loved one is being really well minded.

“The work being done by nurses and care staff is truly incredible, they are a gift from God, they are angels.

“What I’m trying to do as ambassador, in a very small way, is to support the people who do it, and I am urging everyone in South Westmeath to go to hospicecoffeemorning.ie and get involved," he said.

To register to host a coffee morning on Thursday, September 25, or on a date that suits you, visit www.hospicecoffeemorning.ie or call 0818 995 996.