Community asked to go the extra mile for Santa Dash
By Mary Dennehy
THE community’s support of Tallaght University Hospital’s annual fundraiser in 2019 resulted in the purchase of six electronic treatment chairs for patients being cared for in the oncology ward.
A year down the line and the hospital is hoping for the same support in fundraising for Europe’s first centre of excellence for aging research and gerontechnology, which will be located on the hospital campus.
Staff this year with Christmas hats
In one final push for support before year end, staff at the local hospital are calling on the community to take part in their Santa Dash – and to walk, jog, run, swim or cycle to help raise funds for the development of the pioneering centre.
In previous years, staff have gone that extra mile by organising and taking part in an annual cycle fundraiser in aid of a diverse range of hospital services and programmes.
However, this year, staff are under considerable pressures due to the challenges presented by Covid-19 and need the community to go that extra mile for them in 2020.
Last year, thanks to support from members of the community, six electronic chairs were purchased for patients undergoing treatment.
More than 5,000 patients attend the oncology ward at Tallaght University Hospital (TUH) every year for their cancer treatment.
Oncology chairs purchased with funds raised in 2019
The six chairs, which together cost €30,000, has resulted in patients undergoing lengthy treatment sessions having the most comfortable seat possible.
According to Heather Sloane, CNM2 Oncology Day Ward: “We are delighted and so grateful to everyone who got behind the TUHF [Tallaght University Hospital Foundation] cycle last year and raised funds to support the purchase of the electronic treatment chairs.
“These specially designed oncology chairs fit perfectly into the ward, they are compact, create more space and give each patient their own table, all features that will undoubtedly make the stay for our patients more comfortable.
“A massive thank you to everyone who supported and continues to support our hospital and our services.”
TUHF is this year encouraging members of the community to take part in its Santa Dash, and to walk, jog, run, swim or cycle to raise funds for older age services.
The Santa Dash is open to the entire community, and participants can clock any mileage from one kilometre to 1,000km.
Kelly Crowley, Head of Development at TUHF said: “We couldn’t be more proud of the way the community responded to our hospital last year, supporting our patients and their families when they need it most. We want to thank everyone wholeheartedly.
“This Christmas we are raising funds for our age-related healthcare services.
“If people can, we would be thrilled if they got signed up for our Santa Dash, or failing that if they would make a donation to support our older people in the community.
“We will be sure to put every cent to hard work.”
Individuals and families looking to take part in the TUHF Santa Dash can register at https://www.popupraces.ie/race/tuhf-santa-dash/ and can set up an optional fundraising page at https://www.idonate.ie/TUHF-SantaDash.
Local businesses are encouraged to get on board and show their support by purchasing a logo or listing.
Companies who support the Santa Dash, will have their logo or listing included on the donated sponsor advert pages in The Echo on December 10 and 17.
The Echo has offered this ad space for free, with all proceeds donated by businesses going directly to Santa Dash.
Check out page 13 for the local businesses who are backing Tallaght University Hospital, and for further details on how you can too.
Email Kelly at kcrowley@tuhf.ie for more.
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