Westmeath ladies Anne O’Sullivan, Margaret Henson and Mary Winterlich recently each received a ‘Sunflower Hospice Hero’ award from RTE’s Mary Kennedy for their outstanding dedication to North Westmeath Hospice.
Anne, Margaret and Mary have, collectively, been involved in the hospice for almost 30 years and were among 23 volunteers across the country honoured for their contribution to hospice care.
The presentation took place in the Mansion House Dublin at the national launch of Hospice Sunflower Days. This annual fundraiser for the hospice movement in Ireland is happening on Friday, 9 June and Saturday, 10 June.
It is hoped €1million will be raised. The Irish Hospice Foundation (IHF) coordinates the event on behalf of the hospice movement including North Westmeath Hospice. All funds raised locally, stay locally.
Speaking about Anne, a spokesperson for North Westmeath Hospice said: “Anne, a talented florist and twice winner of the All-Ireland Floral Art Design Competition, bri-ngs unique talents to the group. Each season Anne dresses the window of our offices in Mary Street, Mullingar. She also runs a great Coffee Morning at her local shopping centre. Anne lost three family members within 11 months. During that time the local Palliative Care Services were very supportive. Following this tough time in her life, Anne made a promise to herself to give something back and now feels it is a privilege to be involved with the local North Westmeath Fundraising Committee.”
Margaret was nominated because: “Margaret has been involved with hospice for 14 years and we’ve nominated her because of her complete dedication and love for the service. Her coffee mornings and cake sales have continued success. She is very helpful, kind and caring and always willing to help. Margaret’s father died of cancer and she found a personal link to the hospice and feels it can help others through difficult times.”
Speaking of Mary, the spokesperson noted: “Mary is a very active member of the Local Fundraising Committee in Mullingar. She contributes in a multitude of ways to the success of the group and always offers to help at whatever event is being organised. She makes a great cup of coffee or tea, not to mention her pineapple upside-down cake and her charm when selling tickets to everyone is legendary. Local people will know her as she regularly takes care of our public office on Mary Street, Mullingar. Mary retired recently and having worked all of her life she wanted to give back to the community. Above all, Mary is compassionate, charming and has a very winning smile.”
People can support their local hospice service on 9 and 10 June by purchasing various pieces of Sunflower merchandise – including sunflower pins for €2 each from collectors on the streets of cities, towns and villages across Ireland.
For more information on how to volunteer with your local hospice service for Hospice Sunflower Days visit www.sunflowerdays.ie or email Veronica Larkin veronicalarkin9@gmail. com
