Josephine hailed a Hospice Hero
By Maurice Garvey
A KIMMAGE woman was among the ‘Hospice Heroes’ honoured at a special ceremony this week.
Josephine Herlihy volunteers with Our Lady’s Hospice in Harold’s Cross, and is a huge support to the fundraising team at Christmas and for Sunflower Days every June.
Hospice Hero Josephine Herlihy and RTE Broadcaster and Clondalkin native Mary Kennedy
For that latter campaign, Josephine coordinates over 300 volunteers over three weeks, and her drive is instrumental to the campaign's success.
Josephine got involved with the hospice 10 years ago, after being touched by the level of care provided to her sister who sadly passed away in Our Lady’s.
RTE broadcaster, originally from Clondalkin and now a Knocklyon resident Mary Kennedy, hosted the ceremony in St Francis Hospice, Blanchardstown, on May 1.
She commended volunteers and urged the public to support Hospice Sunflower Days on June 8/9.
Ms Kennedy said: “You could even go one step further and volunteer if you have a few hours to spare. Hospice Heroes have made a big impact on the lives of patients and their families. Their kindness and commitment to volunteering with their local hospice has made a huge difference to people at what can be a painful and lonely time.”
Funds raised go directly towards equipment, hiring specially trained palliative nurses, refurbishing facilities and gardens, and providing high-quality home and in-patient care.
Hospice care is provided free of charge to people with terminal and life-limiting conditions.
Pat Quinlan, Chair of the Voluntary Hospice Groups, noted the population of those over the age of 65 in Ireland is set to triple in the next three decades.
“Demand for hospice and homecare services is set to increase – we must be in a position to respond in an appropriate and timely manner at all times.”
