The Donegal Hospice has appealed to businesses, schools, community groups and individuals to support their annual Coffee Morning fundraiser on September 20th.

This year’s Coffee Morning for Donegal Hospice was officially launched recently at the Hospice by Patron, Shaun Doherty, who was joined by the Chairperson, Grace Boyle, Administrator, Isobel Doherty, Assistant Director of Nursing, Lucy McGettigan and staff.

Left to right: Shaun Doherty (Patron, Donegal Hospice),  Dr Nemad Henerich, Grace Boyle, Chairperson, Donegal Hospice, Lucy McGettigan, Assistant Director Nursing, Donegal Hospice and Isobel Doherty, Administrator, Donegal Hospice. Photo Brian McDaid

The Coffee Morning is one of the key fundraising events organised by the Hospice in Donegal.

Now, in its 26th year, the money raised all over the county, will continue to ensure patients receive the highest possible standard of palliative care.

“People have been so generous and innovative in helping us to fundraise every year. Every penny raised is used to the benefit of patients and their families,” Ms Boyle said

The Hospice bed-unit first opened in 2003, but since 1988 thousands of patients and their families have seen first hand the exceptional care, compassion, understanding and support given to loved one by staff.

The eight-bed building at Knocknamona, is currently undergoing some necessary refurbishment which will add significantly to the 20% annual running costs the Hospice has to provide to the HSE for the building.

As well as a dedicated management and medical team, the Hospice has six Palliative Care Nurse Specialists working in the community, helping patients and their families in homes across the county. The demand for this service is continuing to grow year-on-year.

Pictured at the launch of the Donegal Hospice Coffee Morning, which takes place in the county on September 20, are staff members from left to right: Rachel King (S.N), Shaun Doherty, Patron, Donegal Hospice, Bernadette Duffy, Samantha McColgan, Mary Teresa Brennan, Lucy McGettigan, Assistant Director of Nursing, Donegal Hospice, Margaret McGlinchey, and Susan McMenamin. Photo Brian McDaid.

Speaking at the launch, Patron, Shaun Doherty, made a special appeal to make this year’s Coffee Morning the ‘biggest ever’ in Donegal.

“The Hospice means a lot to me personally, and through family experience, and I know it means so much to many people across Donegal who have encountered the work of the hospice, through a family member or friend.

“When you encounter the hospice, and see the work of the people here, and the care and love, you want to help the hospice.”

“Let’s make this year’s Coffee Morning, the biggest and best ever, to help raise funds for the ongoing work of the Donegal Hospice. Anybody, can organise a Coffee Morning, whether it is in a workplace, home, garden school, community organisation or group – make it a novel event.”

“So, please contact Isobel Doherty, at the Donegal Hospice, who has the pack and the posters for this special event and support the great work of the Donegal Hospice.”

The Hospice is busy undergoing a refurbishment and there are further plans for a four-bed extension to the building.

“We are always exploring ways to improve the service to patients and their families,” Isobel Doherty said.

“Whether it is through homecare packages, respite for parents, or providing specialist care, we always want to help people. Nobody is turned away. We are currently exploring the development of services and especially around Paediatric Cancer Care too,” she added.

Elizabeth Mehaffy, from Castlefin, has helped organise a Coffee Morning every year since 1996.

“My father, Alexander Patterson, passed away that year, and since then I’ve been helping the Donoughmore Ladies organise a fundraising Coffee Morning.”

“It is a great way to help give something back to the Hospice for the tremendous work they do every day.”

“It is a great way to spend quality time with family, friends and neighbours,” she added.

Anyone who wants further information about hosting a Coffee Morning can do so by contacting Isobel Doherty, Adminstrator, Donegal Hospice on 074-91-25656) or email isobel.doherty@hse.ie.

Everyone who signs up to host a Coffee Morning will receive a free welcome pack filled with promotional materials and most important, coffee.