Volunteer Liam says the service gave so much to his late wife

LIAM Kelly first became aware of the work of the Tallaght Cancer Support Group (TCSG) after his wife, Susan, was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer in late 2011, reports Aideen O’Flaherty.

The Jobstown man, 65, regularly dropped his wife off at the support group’s Trustus premises, usually twice a week, and he appreciated the importance of that outlet for Susan.

“To me, it was brilliant, because sometimes, even though you’re very close to somebody, sometimes they need to talk to someone else,” said Liam.

“Meeting other people who were going through cancer treatment was brilliant for Susan.”

Susan sadly passed away in November 2016. When Liam went into TCSG to let the volunteers know, it set in motion his continued involvement in the charity.

“I dropped into the centre to let the girls know that Susan had passed, and I was asked if I wanted to access some of their services like counselling, which I did,” Liam said.

“From then, I’d drop in to have a cup of tea and a chat. Then I started dropping in on a more regular basis, and I became a volunteer.”

Over the years, Liam has organised numerous fundraising initiatives for the support group and continues to champion its importance in the community.

“I got involved because I felt that I wanted to give something back because they gave so much to Susan,” he explained.

“I think their work is vital. They’re so welcoming, and anything you need, they’ll do it for you.”

Liam spoke with The Echo as part of a TCSG appeal to find a new premises in the centre of Tallaght.

“I think the community needs this, and it’s a shame that it could go by the wayside if they don’t get a premises.

“It’s a service that’s vitally important, and we all do it for nothing, on a voluntary basis, because most of us have been touched by cancer.

“We need a new premises to get up-and-running, and to give the service back to the people who really do need it.”