Appeal as sheds in battle for survival
Retailerbags€20k for health heroes
A SUPERMARKET giant has donated €20,000 to Our Hospital Heroes, a charity for healthcare staff, it emerged yesterday.
Aldi Ireland provided the money one week after its “Irish Nurses Thank You” fundraiser bouquets went on sale.
The flowers were sold across all 142 stores in Ireland on May 12, with all of the proceeds going to the charity.
Aldi has also announced a combined donation of 100,000 medical-grade face masks to Our Hospital Heroes and Age Action.
Micheal Sheridan, of Our Hospital Heroes, said: “I want to thank Aldi for their support and the funds raised by each and every customer on International Nurses’ Day.
“We are bowled over by the speed at which the €20,000 donation has come through, and the generous delivery of face masks.”
HUNDREDS of men’s sheds across the island of Ireland are fighting for their survival.
More than 80% of the community centres have suffered fundraising falls since the Covid-19 pandemic.
A drive to help them raise vital money has been launched with the average centre losing €1,286 from March 13 to May 8.
The 460 Irish sheds on the island have seen a total of €591,560 wiped out, while 82% of them are worried about their financial security.
Irish Men’s Sheds Association chief Barry Sheridan said: “It is very concerning to see that the majority of men’s sheds are being financially impacted by the Covid-19 crisis.”
■■People can help support the SOS Fund by donating online at www.menssheds.ie/sos, or by texting SHEDS to 50300.
A FORMER Rose of Tralee has lifted the lid on life working on the frontline after her own battle with cancer.
Dr Elysha Brennan, who won the competition in 2015, was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma just before her Leaving Certificate.
Years later, the Co Meath medic was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, a debilitating condition which led to her hospitalisation for 10 days.
Now cancer-free and working in a Dublin hospital in her first year as a junior doctor, the 27-year-old said she is feeling great.
However, due to her medical history, she has been redeployed to a lower-risk environment for her own safety.
Dr Brennan explained: “I’m totally well and feeling great.”
“I developed an autoimmune condition so I am on a drug called the biologic drug.
“So my immune system might be a little bit lower than the next person, so it does put me in that vulnerable risk group.
“I get an infusion every month, so it was a little bit complicated when we were in the preparation stage for Covid where I was going to be put [to work].
“I suppose in the middle of March it was a decision made by my consultant and encouraged by my colleagues and friends that I was redeployed to a lower-risk environment within the hospital.
“So that’s where I’ve been for the past couple of weeks.
Dr Brennan, who also moved out of the house she shared with three other medics as a