Long time Kildare resident to embark on humanitarian mission to Uganda
Yvonne O'Neill from Celbridge is joining a convoy organised by the Hope on Wheels organisation
A Celbridge-based woman is to join Tik Tok star, Garron Noone and a group of over 20 volunteers on a humanitarian mission to deliver 11 ambulances from Ireland to Uganda to support palliative care.
Yvonne O’Neill - who has lived in Celbridge, Co Kildare for 25 years and who recently retired from a senior post in the HSE – is joining the convoy being organised by the Hope on Wheels organisation.
The mission will see 11 ambulances driven overland from Mombasa in Kenya to Kampala in Uganda on an epic journey covering more than 1,200 kilometres through stunning countryside, remote roads, and national parks, starting on May 24.
Yvonne said she is delighted to be joining the convoy delivering the ambulances which will transform end of life care for the critically ill in Uganda.
“When I heard about this opportunity I didn’t hesitate. The needs for palliative care in Uganda are huge, with less than 11 per cent of the estimated 500,000 people in need of palliative care accessing services. Thousands of people die every year suffering and in serious pain. Anything that can be done to increase access to care is worth supporting.”
She added: “As someone who worked in the health service, I am personally delighted that these ambulances are getting a new lease of life, and will have such a huge impact in a country where the health system is still very poor and access in remote areas particularly challenging. It means a lot to me to be involved in this initiative where local services are enabled to treat more patients and grow their own impact.”
The convoy is made up of volunteers from all walks of life including a past and serving member of the Gardai, a former journalist, businesspeople, farmers and retirees.
“Of course, I am also excited to be travelling with an amazing group of people, including Garron Noone, and seeing a lot of East Africa”, said Yvonne.The ambulances, which have been donated by the HSE National Ambulance Service, Dublin Fire Brigade, the Irish Red Cross, and Civil Defence have been shipped to the port of Mombasa ahead of the start of the convoy.
Partnering with the Palliative Care Association of Uganda, and the Ugandan Ministry of Health, the ambulances will be officially handed over to hospices for use as mobile outreach palliative care clinics, bringing essential care and pain relief to critically ill patients in remote communities.
Adding a high-profile voice to the mission are Irish social media star Garron Noone, and entrepreneur Gareth Sheridan, who will both join the convoy and use their platforms to raise awareness of the urgent need for accessible hospice and palliative care services in Uganda.
HOW is inspired by the late Dr Anne Merriman, founder of Hospice Africa Uganda, whose pioneering work brought affordable pain relief and compassionate care to thousands of patients across the continent of Africa.
She was born in Liverpool to Irish parents and did her medical training in Dublin. She died last year aged 90.As well as bringing ambulances, the convoy will be used to raise thousands of euros to support hospices in their work in Uganda, with an ambitious target of €500,000.
Tik Tok sensation Garron Noone said: “I’m incredibly proud to be part of the Hope on Wheels convoy. I am delighted support this cause and encourage others to support it.”
Health entrepreneur Gareth Sheridan, who sought a nomination in last year’s Irish Presidential Election to be the youngest ever candidate at 35, said: “I am delighted to be joining this convoy to support people in critical need of palliative care and pain relief. This mission resonates strongly with me through my work with improving how pain medication is delivered, making it safer and more accessible. I firmly believe access to pain relief shouldn’t depend on where you live. Hope on Wheels is helping bridge that gap in a very real and immediate way.”
HOW Chair Tom Doyle said: “For five years we have been driving ambulances by road to Uganda as volunteers. On our trip last year, we raised money for Hospice Africa Uganda and learned about the massive need for palliative care. We decided there and then we would do a dedicated trip to support the critically ill in Uganda without access to care and pain relief they needed.
“This convoy is about more than delivering ambulances. It’s about delivering pain relief, dignity, comfort, and care to people at the most vulnerable time in their lives. With Garron and Gareth joining us, and dedicated volunteers from all over Ireland, we hope to shine a light on the incredible work being done on the ground and inspire even greater support.”
The Hope on Wheels convoy departs Mombasa on May 24, with arrivals and handover events planned in Kampala after arrival on June 1.Donate to the cause directly to Yvonne's idonate page at: https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/yvonneoneillshopeonwheelsfun
Websites: https://www.hopeonwheels.ie