Bingos and an e-bike bring MRI fund closer to target

THE FRIENDS of Wexford General Hospital’s MRI Now campaign has moved another step closer to completion following the presentation of two more cheques by community groups.

In Kilmuckridge, Anne Hammel, Catherine O’Connor and Vera O’Sullivan got together to raise money for the project, which aims to purchase and install a vital MRI machine in Wexford General Hospital.

The trio went from door to door, selling tickets for a coffee evening they held in the local hall. They also ran two bingo nights in the local pub, The Crosses. The support they received was fantastic and they expressed their gratitude to everyone who attended the events and helped them to raise the fantastic sum of €4,020.

Receiving the cheque, the chairman of Friends of Wexford General Hospital, Ciaran Sheridan thanked the three women and the local community for their efforts, saying: ‘ This cheque brings the total ask of €250,000 almost within reach and we are absolutely delighted to receive this level of support.’

In Enniscorthy, Robbie Syme is a parishioner at St Mary’s Church in Enniscorthy. As part of his recovery following a heart attack, he has been cycling an e-bike for the past few years, and raising funds for various charities.

He recently cycled on a tour of all six cathedrals in the Church of Ireland dioceses of Cashel, Ferns and Ossory.

He racked up a total of 382.3km, raising €3,200 along the way.

He decided to support two charities - the MRI Now campaign, and the Friends of Shyogwe Anglican Church in Rwanda, a group that have raised money to contribute to the completion of various health and community projects in the diocese.

Robbie presented the cheques for €1,600 each at St Mary’s Church in Enniscorthy.

Once again, Ciaran Sheridan was in attendance and he praised the efforts of Robbie, particularly having been sick, and commended his determination in finding a way back to health while simultaneously fundraising for worthy causes.

‘ Thank you Robbie and on behalf of all those you have helped, may I wish you continued good health with a long and happy cycle ahead as you no doubt continue to find new challenges and charities to support.’

Fundraising for the MRI Now campaign in The Crosses pub, Kilmuckridge.

Friends of Wexford Hospital chairman Ciaran Sheridan, Rev Nicola Halford, Robbie Syme, who raised €1,600 for the MRI Now campaign, and Colm Neville, Enniscorthy MRI Now representative.

In The Crosses lounge, Kilmuckridge, fundraising trio Catherine O’ Connor, Vera O’Sullivan, and Anne Hammell present a cheque for over €4,000 to Friends of Wexford Hospital chairman, Ciaran Sheridan, Caroline Kennedy and Niall Reck.