Woman raises over 14k for cancer charity in memory of her dad

A Limerick woman has raised over 14k for a charity in memory of her dad who passed away after a “courageous battle” with cancer.

Mary O’Connell walked from Milford Hospice to her home in Mountcollins to raise funds for the Irish Cancer Society’s Nursing Services.

Mary’s father, Florrie O’Connell of Mountcollins, passed away on Easter Sunday, April 2023.

In honour of her late father, Mary has so far raised €14,747 on GoFundMe. You can still donate to the fundraiser here.

Speaking of her late father, Mary said on the fundraiser page: “He loved his family dearly, farming, all things GAA, a 99 no matter what time of the day, a cup of tea and his home. Wherever he was, for whatever reason he needed to be in hospital, the only place he wanted to be was at home with us all. This was especially important to Dad towards the end of his life, a wish he made very clear.”

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Florrie O’Connell passed away at home. And according to his daughter, this would not have been possible without the “exceptional care” he received from the Milford Hospice home care team and the Daffodil nurses.

“The nurses who cared for Dad were extraordinary people and words could never thank them enough for what they did. In doing this walk I hope to raise funds for families who may find themselves in a similar situation.

“Milford Hospice to Mountcollins is the last journey Dad made to come home to us. So, I will walk the 72km, one for every year of my Dad's life, in 24 hours across the 3rd and 4th of August. I have some amazing family and friends who will keep me company along the way.

“Any donation at all would be so gratefully appreciated and used in such a valuable service. Thank you so much for taking the time to read my fundraiser and in the words of my wonderful Dad ‘Your health is your wealth’,” she said.