Anna Boles selected as Hospice Hero ahead of Sunflower Days
South Westmeath Hospice was delighted to honour Anna Boles as its 2026 Hospice Hero for her many years of fundraising service on behalf of the hospice.
Anna received the award from Hospice Sunflower Days Ambassador, Miriam O’Callaghan, at a special ceremony in St. Francis Hospice, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15 last week to coincide with the Hospice Sunflower Days 2026 campaign launch.
Anna along with 12 others from all across the country were honoured with the title of ‘Hospice Hero’ at the event. Anna, through her annual calendar, has raised vital funds and awareness for the hospice, making a lasting impact on the care that is provided. Her continued dedication truly embodies the spirit of the hospice community.
This year marks the 36th year of the Hospice Sunflower Days campaign with the on-street collections taking place from Thursday, June 11 – Saturday, June 13. Volunteers will take to villages, cities and towns all across the country to help raise vital funds for hospice & palliative care services and every euro raised locally, stays locally! You can also show your support by donating to your chosen hospice online via the website, www.sunflowerdays.ie
Speaking at the official ‘Hospice Hero’ ceremony, Miriam O’Callaghan, said: “I am delighted to get involved once again with Hospice Sunflower Days. This is a very worthy cause and with all funds raised locally staying in the local area, it really offers a great opportunity for people to make a difference for their local hospice or specialist palliative homecare service.”
Clare Lennon, Chairperson, South Westmeath Hospice, commented: “We are thrilled to be able to acknowledge Anna’s hard work & dedication to South Westmeath Hospice by awarding her as our Hospice Hero here today. We are calling on everyone from the region to join Anna to help us to raise vital funds for the hospice during Hospice Sunflower Days 2026. Every little donated really does make a big difference!”
Together for Hospice, The National Hospice Movement, represents 24 Hospice and specialist palliative homecare providers supporting patients and their families across Ireland. These services provide free-of-charge care and support to those living with a life-limiting illness, while also offering assistance to the patient’s family members. Hospices nationwide need to raise approximately €20 million each year to provide their patient centred care and as our population ages, demand for specialist hospice and palliative homecare services continues to grow. 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. That is why fundraisers such as Hospice Sunflower Days are so important to hospices and homecare services throughout the country.
If you would like to volunteer to help South Westmeath Hospice with their on-street collections this June please contact the fundraising team today on 086 772 1065. For more information on the Hospice Sunflower Days campaign or to make a donation today log onto www.sunflowerdays.ie