Family fundraise for charity
A local family has raised almost € 8,500 for two charities close to their hearts.
The Kilcullens from Cedar Drive know all about the pain of grief. They lost Dad, Padraic to MS in 1995 and brother Rory to suicide in 2009. Last month they celebrated milestone birthdays for their departed loved ones and in doing so turned the occassion into an opportunity to raise cash for the MS North West Therapy Centre and Pieta House.
Sister, Helen Kilcullen explains: “On the 14th of January in order to mark Rory’s 40th and Padraic’s 75th birthdays we decided to have a remembrance mass at home, followed by afternoon tea. People called with donations throughout the day and for the weeks following the event. You could not ask for nicer people than those in Cedar Drive or a nicer place to grow up. Everyone is still very close.”
Helen says the family was overwhelmed with the level of support from neighbours and friends but also the wider business community in Sligo.
“For us this was a great way to start 2017. The feedback from everyone was very positive. We would recommend this as a very enjoyable fundraiser and social event for anyone that is thinking of a way to raise awareness and funds. We felt the presence of Padraic and Rory on the day and we were very touched by the amount of people that helped us to celebrate their special birthdays. We are sure that they would be very proud and honoured,” adds Helen.
As one of the instigators of thee MS North West Therapy Centre which opened in 1993, Padraic Kilcullen lost his battle with MS in 1995.
Helen says: “Dad died when he was just 53. He used to have to travel to Trim in Meath for ther- ap apy. He de decided to fundraise for a Sligo facility.fa He probably knew it was not going to save his live but he understood those coming behind him would benefit.” Helen’s Aunt and Uncle have since been diagnosed with MS and are both service users of the MS North West Therapy Centre. In 2009, the family suffered another bereavement when Rory lost his life to suicide. Helen says the family are now adamant about raising awareness about mental health issues.
“The impact of the loss of a loved one and a friend never leaves you,” says Helen, “It is vital to ask for help when you need it. Look out for signs of depression in friends and family and be aware of the services available in Pieta House. In hindsight as a family now we see that Rory was not himself before he died. He never sought counselling. € 1,000 can pay for 15 counselling sessions for someone which could save a life.”
Altogether € 8,220 was raised and divided between the MS Therapy Centre and Pieta House.