West Cork individuals and establishments came in for high praise at the annual Mercy Hospital's Unsung Heroes awards
WEST Cork individuals and establishments came in for high praise at the annual Mercy Hospital’s Unsung Heroes awards.
The Mercy Stars, organised by the Mercy University Hospital Foundation and the Mercy University Hospital, celebrate the fundraising volunteers and hospital staff, who through their efforts make things a little easier for patients, and who help the Foundation invest in the Hospital’s services to ensure that the Mercy is at the forefront of effective diagnosis, treatment and care of patients.
The School Fundraiser of the Year 2019 was awarded to Kinsale Community School who have been huge supporters of the Foundation for many years.
The Foundation works with a number of schools to raise funds and awareness for the Mercy Hospital in an effort to support the hospital delivering the highest quality of care to its patients.
Last Christmas, on December 21st, Kinsale Community School presented the Mercy University Hospital Foundation with a cheque for €6,000 as a result of their annual sponsored walk.
The Mercy Stars Challenge Event Organiser of the Year 2019 was awarded to the Kelly family for the annual Ger Kelly Memorial Walk which takes place in Allihies.
Ger Kelly sadly passed away in 2015 following a long illness and in 2016, Ger’s wife Catherine, daughter Aideen and son Pete decided that a fundraising memorial walk was a lovely way to celebrate his life and remember him, while giving something back to the Mercy for the help and support they gave Ger and his family.
To date, nearly €17,000 has been raised for the Mercy Hospital Foundation. This has enabled the team at the Mercy to purchase furniture for a new consultancy room called the ‘quiet room’ in St Theresa’s Ward as well as supporting the Mercy Cancer Care Centre.
The Mercy Stars Corporate Fundraiser of the Year 2019 went to Cork-based firm RedHat as a result of their phenomenal support for the Make Your Mark on Cancer Walk.
RedHat really went the extra mile which saw them complete a bed push all the way from the viaduct to Bandon as part of the popular walk in memory of Bandon man Mark Prendergast.
RedHat raised €11,000 and in total, the walk raised over €300,000 for the Mercy Cancer Appeal.
Mícheál Sheridan of the Mercy Hospital Foundation said: ‘We are delighted to recognise and celebrate so many amazing people and that’s exactly what the Mercy Stars are all about.
‘The selfless dedication of all those who give of their time is an inspiration,’ said Mr Sheridan.
‘Their support and dedication allow the Mercy University Hospital, the people’s hospital, to advance research, diagnosis, treatment and care of patients,’ he told guests at the ceremony.