Carmel named as Hospice Hero ahead of Sunflower Days 2026

North Westmeath Hospice have honoured Carmel Cahill as their 2026 Hospice Hero for her many years of fundraising service on behalf of the hospice.

Carmel received the award from Hospice Sunflower Days ambassador, Miriam O’Callaghan, at a ceremony in St Francis Hospice, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15 to coincide with the Hospice Sunflower Days 2026 campaign launch.

Carmel has been a committed member of the North Westmeath Hospice team for many years. She was initially drawn to volunteering as she had first-hand experience of family members receiving palliative care at the hospice, and she was keen to give something back.

Carmel is vice-chairperson of the fundraising team.

This year marks the 36th year of the Hospice Sunflower Days campaign and the street collections are on Friday June 12 and Saturday June 13. You can also show your support by donating to your chosen hospice online at sunflowerdays.ie.

Margaret Claffey, chair of fundraising, North Westmeath Hospice, said: “We are thrilled to be able to acknowledge Carmel’s hard work and dedication to North Westmeath Hospice by awarding her as our Hospice Hero here today.

“We are calling on everyone from the region to join Carmel to help us to raise vital funds for the hospice during Hospice Sunflower Days 2026. Every little donated really does make a big difference!”

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 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.”

Together for Hospice, The National Hospice Movement, represents 24 Hospice and specialist palliative homecare providers supporting patients and their families across Ireland.

The 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 the 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 North Westmeath Hospice with their on-street collections in June, contact the fundraising team on 085 786 3891.

For more information on the Hospice Sunflower Days campaign or to make a donation, visit sunflowerdays.ie.