Laois cancer support fundraiser in beloved nurse's memory hits €1,000 in hours

A new fundraiser in memory of a beloved Laois nurse hit €1,000 within hours and is rapidly climbing towards €2,000 a day later.

The family of the late Trish Kelley from Mountmellick, are marking what should have been her 70th birthday celebration, with an online fundraiser in aid of the Cuisle Centre for free cancer support in Portlaoise.

A loyal Liverpool FC supporter who worked in Liverpool for years before returning home to work in Glenard Clinic Mountmellick, Nurse Kelley passed away in January 2025 after a brave battle against cancer. 

This year, on March 10th, her family will come together to celebrate what would have been her 70th birthday by honouring her life, her compassion, and the impact she had on everyone who knew her.

"Known lovingly to generations as Nurse Kelley, Trish spent her life caring for others with warmth, gentleness, and a quiet strength that reassured everyone she encountered. Whether in the clinic, in the community, or simply among friends, she had a gift for making people feel safe, heard, and looked after."

They chose the Cuisle Centre in thanks.

"During her brave battle with cancer, Trish found essential support at the Cuisle Centre in Portlaoise. The Centre became a place of comfort, understanding, and hope—a space where she received not only practical help but emotional support that made an immeasurable difference in her journey.

"Supporting them now is a way of giving back to an organisation that supported her with such care, and of helping other families facing similar challenges," the family say in their Idonate.ie fundraiser.

They asked supporters to donate any amount big or small, and each donor has the same chance of winning one of six great raffle prizes.

"Every contribution counts equally and every gesture of support is appreciated. The raffle winners will be drawn on March 10th, Trish’s birthday—a fitting day to celebrate her life, her kindness, and the joy she brought to others.

"We are thrilled to offer six fantastic prizes, all generously donated by Trish’s family, her friends, and local businesses in Mountmellick who were eager to honour her memory. Their generosity reflects the deep affection so many felt for Trish."

Trish Kelley was a member of Yarn Bombing Mountmellick. 

The family were stunned when their €1,000 target was hit within hours of launching the fundraiser online.

"Thank you all so much for your incredible support. We hit our original target within just a few hours — something we never imagined.

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"Your generosity in honour of Trish has truly blown us away. Because of the amazing response, we’ve now raised the target to keep the momentum going and continue supporting the Cuisle Centre.

"Thank you for every donation, share, and message of support," they say.

The family are also holding a second raffle on March 11, at the community Bingo night in The Rock GAA club. 

See the donation page here.