Marty Morrissey urges Westmeath to get behind local hospices
Gaelic games broadcaster Marty Morrissey has called on the people of north Westmeath to get behind one of Ireland’s biggest charity events in aid of local hospice services.
Speaking as ambassador for Bewley’s Big Coffee Morning for Hospice, which takes place nationwide on Thursday, September 25, Morrissey said he has seen first-hand the care given by hospice staff and described them as “angels.”
“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,” he said.
“The work being done by nurses and care staff is truly incredible, they are a gift from God. If I was heading into my final days, I would like that for myself and for my family. 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 Westmeath to go to hospicecoffeemorning.ie and get involved.”
Since its launch in 1992, the coffee morning fundraiser – organised by Together for Hospice – has raised €47.6 million for in-patient and community hospice services across Ireland.
Locally, the North Westmeath Hospice will benefit from the proceeds. Its chairperson, Margaret Claffey, said the support of communities makes a huge difference.
“Bewley’s Big Coffee Morning for Hospice, one of our longest and most-loved fundraisers, is now in its 33rd year raising funds for hospice in-patient and community services around Ireland. Right across Ireland, 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.”
Cól Campbell of Bewley’s Ireland said the company is proud to continue backing the event, which has become the country’s most successful charity partnership.
“We encourage everyone to host or attend a coffee morning, wherever they are in Ireland, to help support the incredible work that hospices nationwide carry out every day,” he said.
People in Westmeath can register to host a coffee morning on September 25 – or on a date that suits them – at hospicecoffeemorning.ie or by calling 0818 995 996. Those unable to host or attend can still support the cause by donating online at hospicecoffeemorning.ie/donate.