Sponsored walk in aid of North West Hospice to mark third anniversary of Marie Coen
by Fiona Heavey
Details of the Third Anniversary Marie Coen Sponsored Walk in aid of the North West Hospice were released this week.
The twice yearly collection held by the daughters of the late Marie Coen, Boyle includes various fundraising ideas for the North West Hospice in remembrance of their mother who was looked after in her home during her final few months. Mrs Coen passed away on May 9, 2005.
Marie Coen’s nine daughters feel so indebted to the help provided to their family during their mother’s last few months by the North West Hospice that they are driven to help raise funds for the Sligo based hospice.
Paul Wilson, Chairperson of the North West Hospice Board said “this year it is more important than ever to raise money for the hospice” as they are currently extending the hospice to include two more beds bringing the total number of full time patients to eight by the end of this year.
Mr Wilson explained that it costs approx w1.9m to run the hospice each year, and only half of this money comes from the HSE, “the rest comes from community fundraising.” The new extension will cost w250,000 plus furnishings.
Everyone has heard about the North West Hospice, but many may not be aware of it’s exact function. Founded in 1986, the origins of North West Hospice lie in the pain and suffering of people and their families in the face of terminal illness, although associated mostly with cancer anyone with a terminal disease or illness can avail of the hospice.
North West Hospice has been to the forefront of palliative care in Ireland being one of the first to provide home care on a 7 day week basis and the opening of the In- patient facility in 1998. More recently and in partnership with the HSE, North West Hospice now provides a full range of consultant-led palliative care services.
Sisters Mary and Jo, originally from Boyle explained to the Leitrim Observer that their mother did not want to stay in hospital when she came towards the end of her sickness,”she wanted to come home.” But with the strong medication and obvious care and attention she needed, her daughters and husband felt overwhelmed by the task. It was a consultant who recommended they call the North West Hospice to enquire about palliative care. Jo said they always thought the North West Hospice was just for those with cancer, but they found out it is for anyone with a terminal illness or disease.
The sisters exclaim that the palliative care nurse they received was a “life-saver.” She came to their home 2-3 times a week and taught them how to dispense the medicine and care for their mother, while also providing advise and comfort to their mother. There was also a 24 hour call nurse if they got into any trouble. “She made everyone’s lives easier, ours and our mothers.”
The sisters say that their mother was so happy to pass away at home surrounded by her family and this was only made possible by the North West Hospice.
Paul Wilson from the Board of Members of the Hospice said “Different people prefer different things, some people want to die at home, others who may have a young family would rather pass away in the hospice outside of their home. We provide that choice.”
The difference between a hospital and the hospice is that the hospice becomes the patient’s home, their bedroom is tastefully decorated, they have access to the kitchen between meals, family can stay over night and any “comforts” needed can be provided.
To many people the North West Hospice has been a “God Send” for their family members and loved ones who near the end of their illness.
The fundraising for the Hospice in remembrance of Marie Coen begins this Saturday, April 24 at Heatons and Tescos, Carrick-on-Shannon 10am- 6pm where the Coen sisters and volunteers will participate in a bag packing and bucket collections.
The year anniversary mass of Marie Coen will be held in Boyle on May 7 with a social in the Cross Bar, Ballinameen afterwards with music by Gerry Keenan. On Saturday, May 8 the charity will be present at Londis, Boyle from 10am -6pm bag packing and collecting.
The 3rd Anniversary Marie Coen Sponsored Walk will take place on Sunday, May 9 in Boyle. Volunteers will gather at the clock in Boyle and begin the 5 mile walk at 2pm. Anyone can join the walk.
Also from today, April 21 until Sunday, May 9 Vittos Restaurant, Market Yard, Carrick-on-Shannon will add an optional w1 to the bill to go towards the North West Hospice.
The past two sponsored walks raised w24,000 and the sisters hope that despite the current recession, people see the need to fundraise for this worthwhile local hospice that covers Sligo/ Leitrim/ West Cavan and parts of Roscommon. For further info call Vittos on: (071) 9627000.
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Weather for Carrick-on-Shannon, Ireland
Sunday 05 February 2012
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