Legend’s legacy lives on
Pat O’Shea race day raises funds
THE legacy of renowned broadcaster and sporting identity Pat O’Shea is benefiting the wider Toowoomba community through the work of his family.
Mr O’Shea dedicated his life to the sporting industry before he passed away at St Andrew’s Toowoomba Hospital in 2015.
The care he received in his final days inspired his family to fundraise and support the hospital since, and have collected more than $10,000 through the Pat O’Shea Charity Race Day.
The funds were used to buy intensive care equipment which supports acutely ill patients requiring multiple medications, and the O’Shea family this week announced its intention to keep raising funds for the hospital.
With a target of $50,000, the donations will initially fund patient comfort and entertainment facilities such as access to iPads, pay TV and other facilities to support patients during their hospital stays.
“Dad really enjoyed his sport and entertainment and he would have loved the idea of supporting St Andrew’s patients to feel more at home and comfortable during their stay,” son James O’Shea said.
“We have a deep appreciation for the care provided to dad during his illness, and we feel strongly that 100 per cent of our fundraising should go to the patients of St Andrew’s Hospital.”
St Andrew’s Hospital CEO Ray Fairweather said the O’Shea family’s support for the hospital was welcomed.
“It is important to the family that the patients receive the rewards from all their hard work raising these funds, and we completely support this goal,” he said.
The funds will be raised through the Pat O’Shea Race Day Pint and Plate for Pat each year, with the next event to be held on Sunday, October 1, at Clifford Park.