PICTURES: Laois walk group present huge cheque to hospice

A massive cheque for over €30,000 has been presented to Laois Hospice committee after a walking group held their annual fundraiser. Clonaslee St.Stephen's day walk group welcomed the Laois Hospice Committee to the Heritage centre, Clonaslee on Friday, April 25 to present their Cheque of €33,699  worth of proceeds following their very successful walk on St.Stephen's day 2024. CONTINUE READING BELOW PHOTO

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The cheque was  presented to Mary Delaney, Chairperson Laois Hospice Foundation by Chris Horan and Pat Dunne, two of the founder members of the walk. Both Chris and Pat have remained active members for all of the 32 walks. 

Sheila Bourke, Co-Ordinator of the walk thanked everyone involved for all their hard work in making the day such a wonderful success, with the weather playing a big part, huge crowds attended, creating a wonderful atmosphere both on the walk and at the Community centre, where refreshments were served. She also thanked all their loyal sponsors for their continued support over the years.

Sheila also expressed with sadness that since their last presentation in April 2024, they had lost two wonderful volunteers in the deaths of Thomas Fingleton last September and Lucy O'Shea, a couple of weeks ago. 

"Both Thomas and Lucy contributed so much to our Annual walk, and we shall miss them dearly," said Sheila.

Condolences were passed on to both families at this very difficult time.

Mary was delighted to accept the funds raised and thanked the people of Clonaslee community for organising one of the biggest fundraisers yearly for Laois Hospice. She explained some of the services provided by Laois Hospice and the need for extra palliative care beds and extra nurses. New  modern syringe driver pumps had been purchased for end of life care. It was highlighted that the cost of living crisis can also have an effect on families going through treatment. The night ended with some light refreshments and chat.