Hospice Sunflower Hero – Ursula Doyle, Mary Kennedy, Fabian Doyle, Wicklow Hospice Foundation and his grandson Dylan. Pic: Robbie Reynolds Photography
Fabian Doyle received a Sunflower Hero Award from RTE’s Mary Kennedy for his tireless work for Wicklow Hospice Foundation.
He was among 21 recipients of a ‘hero’ award in advance of national Hospice Sunflower Days which celebrates its 26th anniversary this year and takes place on Friday, June 10 and Saturday, June 11.
This is one of the biggest annual fundraisers for the hospice movement in Ireland and it is hoped that €1 million will be raised. The event is coordinated on behalf of the hospice movement by the Irish Hospice Foundation and all of the funds raised locally, stay locally.
People are being encouraged to support their local hospice service on June 10 and 11 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.
Wicklow Hospice Foundation said it nominated Fabian because of his ‘dedication to the project’ and generosity of spirit. He has been involved in the organisation since it was set up in 2009. Fabian’s firm sovereign Security provided security for the star-studded Lincoln Premiere in aid of the Foundation at Dublin’s Savoy at his own cost. A walk he organised the same year at Lugnaquilla raised €25,000 for the hospice.
Sunflower Days raised €955 last year for Wicklow Hospice. Money raised this year will go towards building the planned 15 bed hospice . Fabian said he saw the value of the hospice care after his own father’s death. He said “In our modern society, we are so busy, we don’t learn to deal with the true reality of life and death. I was close to my father and when he died of pancreatic cancer in June 2005 it brought a realisation and examination of life into view.
During his illness and death I developed awareness that no family is immune from suffering and pain through a vast number of life’s woes including cancer and death of their loved ones.
“Human warmth points directly towards the urgent need for a hospice which can provide the necessary specialised medical health care with spiritual and loving support for the whole community.”
Fabian added “I have eventually learned, in a real way, suffering connects you with other people. As individuals we must invest in our friends and communities, all working together for the greater good. Everyone should realise that a hospice is a community investment and asset built through a community network that can comfort us and help up is in difficult times.”
A recent national survey commissioned by the Irish Hospice Foundation revealed that 75% of Irish people want to die at home – however only 25% will get to do so partly due to lack of services.
Launching Hospice Sunflower Days Mark Kennedy said “More than 6,000 people use hospice services every year in Ireland. The care and support afforded to families in need, at a very difficult time, is so important and I am encouraging members of the public to show their support for Sunflower Days once again this year. By simply buying a sunflower from one of our volunteers you are helping to bring comfort and dignity to people at the end-of-life.”
She added “It’s inspiring to meet the ‘Sunflower Hereos’ and the dedicated volunteers from across the country who do so much to secure hospice services locally. Without them there are many patients and their families whose end of life would be so much harder. They are all heroes in the true sense and need to be acknowledged. I am honoured to be here with them today.”
Irish Hospice Foundation chief executive Sharon Foley said Fabian and all volunteers are the backbone of the hospice movement in Ireland.
“It is through the compassionate communities that hospice services can continue to deliver high quality care to individuals and families. No hospice service is fully funded by the State and they are all reliant on their communities and public goodwill to help maintain or expand their services. I think that is something really exceptional about an event like Hospice Sunflower Days,’ she said.
Pat Quinlan Chair of the Voluntary Hospices Group, said “Hospice care aims to improve the lives of people who have a life limiting condition by helping them to live their lives as fully as possible right up to the moment until they die. Across the country, the number of people seeking hospice care services continue to increase and we need to be in a position to be able to respond to meeting their needs. Therefore, Hospices across the country are more reliant now that ever on the generosity and goodwill of our wonderful supporter and volunteers.
“We appeal to people to support their local service so patients and families can get help at a time of greatest need. Sunflower Days is a vital source of funding for local hospice services so please donate on June 10th and 11th and if you have a few hours to spare please consider volunteering.”
For more information and to volunteer with your local hospice service for Hospice Sunflower Days see here or contact Sinead on 0402-91310 or sinead@wicklowhospice.ie or Evanne@wicklowhospice.ie.
