15Km challenge to raise funds for St. Christopher"s Hospice

St. Christopher"s Hospice in Cavan has been providing excellent care for the terminally ill in this region and their families for many years and all funds raised for the Hospice are in aid of a superb cause. The Gallant 15 Km Challenge from Cavan to Cornafean has raised over €100,000 for the Hospice to date and this year"s challenge on Saturday, October 25 will be the fifth annual event. Participants are at liberty to either run, jog, walk or cycle in this 15km challenge, which commences at the Cathedral in Cavan at 2pm. The Hospice committee looks forward each year to this event as a key fundraiser for its activities. The families of two people who passed away in St Christophers Hospice, namely Oliver Brennan from Cortober, Arva and Mary Comiskey from Kilnaleck, will this year present two perpetual cups to commerate their lives and the lives of all past patients. Jim Lalor, chairman of St. Christopher"s is keen to point out that the professional care and attention by the nursing staff and carers here 'is the reason for our success and the achievement of a reputation for being a home from home for our patients and visitors. Alongside this the continued support of the community through fundraising and the superb efforts of people like Ciaran and his committee ensures that our work continues'. Mr. Lalor revealed that significant further developments are ensisaged for the coming year and the committee could not contemplate this without confidence in the ongoing community support of everyone. Geraldine Farmer, a sister of the late Mary Comiskey, told The Anglo Celt that Mary received brilliant care in St. Christopher"s Hospice and she spent one year there. 'The Hospice is a centre of excellence. It was a home from home for both Mary and myself, when I visited her. You could visit at any time of the day or night and every patient had their own room,' said Geraldine. A beautiful calm atmosphere prevails in the Hospice and it has a real effect on all those who encounter it. Geraldine says that the staff are superb and all the teams are really dedicated to their work. Geraldine is delighted to dedicate some time to fundraising for the Hospice. 'Don"t wait to be effected to get involved,' she says. Mary Brennan said her 39-year-old husband Oliver died in the Hospice in 2002. She also found it a very peaceful place and a 'home from home'. The care afforded to the terminally ill is brilliant. 'You can visit the Hospice day or night and you can also stay there some nights. I would call on all readers to give as much support as they can to this worthy cause,' she said. Ciaran Weir says there will be buckets enroute in Cavan and Ballinagh and you are asked to give your generous support. Anyone who feels that they may not be up to doing the full 15km, can do a 7km challenge from Ballinagh. It will commence at 2.30pm outside of Lynch"s Fresh Direct, fruit and vegetable shop. Registration will take place at the Cathedral at 1pm and in Ballinagh at 1.30pm. Refreshments and a good evening"s craic is assured in Mac Seain"s after all participants have completed the challenge. For sponsorship cards or enquiries contact: St. Christopher"s Hospice, Cavan 049-4332999; Market Bar, Arva 049-4335369; Frances Leddy, Cornafean 087-7750050; Ciaran Weir, Cornafean 086-0753309; Mary Ferguson, Cavan 086-3871117; Padraig Cosgrove, Cornafean 087-6482892; Irwin Morrow, Belturbet 087-7706728; John V. Kelly, Cavan 049-4331829; Paddy Grogan, Cavan 049-4332877; Jim Lalor, Cavan, Chairman St. Christopher"s Hospice 087-9790107; Willie and Annie Hughes 086-3584700 or 086-0620741.