KERRY HOSPICE FOUNDATION

CHRISTMAS EVENTS

This was the first year of our virtual Light To Remember tree and our ceremony which took place on the grounds of the UHK. The virtual tree is now closed online and we are so grateful to all of you who supported this online and through the units. The ceremony was a very special night and we thank all who contributed to this event. We would like to thank Barry’s Packaging for sponsorship of the memorial cards and also to Belfield Nurseries who sponsored the amazing Christmas tree for the ceremony which remained light over the Christmas period.

The Coast Cafe in Ballybunion also had a Christmas tree in which they sold baubles and you could add a name of your loved ones which was then hung on the tree for Christmas. This is the second year of this and the Coast Cafe have raised substantial funds over the last few years. Well done to all and we thank all who supported it.

A huge thank you also to Castleisland Rugby Club who included Palliative Care /Kerry Hospice Foundation in their ‘spilt the bucket’ event over the Christmas period. They raised over €1200 in what was a fantastic event. We are very grateful to the club for thinking of us.

BASKETBALL MARATHON

We also had a great event which is now a very successful one in the Tralee Imperials Basketball Marathon. This group always organise a great event with everything from basketball to bake sales. Thank you all again.

CH CHEMIST

held their Christmas party after Christmas and had it with a twist. They all took part in a Strictly Come Dancing competition in which all did a routine and all monies raised in votes they donated to Palliative Care. We thank you all so much and well done on raising over €800. A great idea for a Christmas party!

CHEQUE PRESENTATIONS

A huge thank you to this group who called into the Inpatient Unit and presented a cheque for €3457. Jack Ferguson, chief organiser along with David O’Brien and Shane O’Sullivan did Movember and Jack also did some DJ gigs around Tralee and donated all monies from that. Well done to all on a fantastic gesture and we are very grateful to all who supported in any way.

DINGLE

Two cheque presentations this week in Dingle. Sadhbh & Oisin Madeley from Ballinasaor Wren raised €400.

The second Cheque presentation was made by the Goat Street Wren which raised €1000. Well done to all and a huge thank you to all who supported.

LISTOWEL

Well done to the Lisselton Wrenboys who raised €1360 over Christmas. They presented the cheque to the Listowel Branch during the week. Well done all and we are hugely grateful to the Wrenboys for their kindness.

The annual James Ashe Memorial tractor run took place on Sunday and as every other year was a roaring success. Over 100 tractors took part and they were all treated to refreshments in The Anvil Bar before they took off and Sheahan’s Bar in Killorglin on the way.

The Ashes and the Anvil group have raised substantial funds for cancer services down through the years with James Ashe (R.I.P.) himself doing massive fundraising. They continue to hold events throughout the year. A huge thank you to all involved, all who took part and any one who contributed on the day.

UPCOMING EVENTS

There is a few events coming up that will be in more detail next week. On the 16th of February there will be two events - optimal fitness will start off the day with a 10 miler race and a 5 km. That night the Bon Jovee Band will take to the stage in The Brandon at 8.30pm. Tickets on sale in Horan Health Stores, The Brandon and Paco in Tralee.

Also the Inch /Annascaul Group are busy filling the convoy of buses for the Slea Head tour. This will be a great day full of beautiful sights and entertainment. It will take place on the 6th of March.