Annual walk in Clonaslee raised €34k for Laois Hospice
Pat Dunne and Chris Horan, founder members of the St. Stephen's Day walk present a cheque for €33,699 to Mary Delaney with volunteers and Laois Hospice members Photos: Michael Scully
MEMBERS of the St Stephen's Day group in Clonaslee recently presented a cheque for €33,699 to the Laois Hospice Foundation, proceeds of their fundraising walk on 26 December last.
The cheque was presented to hospice chairperson Mary Delaney by Chris Horan and Pat Dunne, founder members of the walk.
Walk co-ordinator Sheila Bourke thanked everyone for their hard work in making the day such a wonderful success, with the weather playing its part, too. Huge crowds also helped to create a wonderful atmosphere on the walk and afterwards at the community centre, where refreshments were served.
Sheila also thanked all of the loyal sponsors for their continued support.
She also paid tributes to the late Thomas Fingleton and Lucy O’Shea. “Both Thomas and Lucy contributed so much to our annual walk and we shall miss them dearly,” said Sheila.
Ms Delaney said she was delighted to accept the cheque and thanked the people of Clonaslee for organising one of the biggest annual fundraisers for Laois Hospice. She outlined some of the services provided by Laois Hospice and the need for extra palliative care beds as well as extra nurses. Mary also highlighted the cost-of-living crisis and the financial burdens on families going through cancer treatment.
The night ended on a bright note with light refreshments and chat.
