Fermoy and Mitchelstown fundraisers 'In Memory of PJ'
All systems are go once again for local woman, Patty Smyth who is gearing up for the annual ‘In Memory of PJ’ fundraiser, with proceeds going to Marymount Hospice.
In previous years, the fundraiser has caused somewhat of a stir as Patty combines one of her favourite hobbies, spinning, with a head shave. Last year saw the Rathcormac lady publicly shaving her head outside Fermoy Post Office in aid of the cause and take on a spin-session outside Centra on Patrick Street, where she spent three hours raising funds for the worthy cause.
This year, the fundraiser is to follow a similar format but will take place across both Mitchelstown and Fermoy.
“I've decided to do my ' In Memory Of PJ' fundraiser for Marymount Hospice again this year, but this time I'm upping the challenge to myself, hoping to raise more money than last year and including Mitchelstown in the events,” Patty told TheAvondhu.
Taking place across March 30 and 31, Thursday will kick off with two hours of spinning outside Farrell’s SuperValu in Mitchelstown with collection buckets dotted around The Square.
Then on Friday, March 31, Patty will be having her head shaved in public outside Fermoy Post Office, before carrying out a two-hour spinning session outside Centra.
ANNUAL FUNDRAISER
“This is again, in memory of my late brother PJ (Delaney) who passed away due to cancer at the age of 59 on June 13, 2021. I have been a gym-goer in the Mitchelstown area and often shop there and have made many friends in the area, whom I know will be very supportive of the cause,” Patty added.
2021 saw Patty live-stream her fundraising head-shave and spin challenge in aid of Cork University Hospital, where her brother PJ, a former postman, underwent cancer treatment. She raised €2,600 at the time.
Last year, taking to the streets of Fermoy, the local woman saw major support around the town, with many donating or even just helping out, which saw over €2,500 collected for the cause.
In preparation for this year’s fundraiser, an online donations page has been set up via idonate. ie titled ‘In Memory of PJ’, however, collection buckets will also be available around the towns on the day too.