A North Galway woman was so moved after she saw the quality of palliative care afforded to her own relatives almost a decade that she began volunteering at her local hospice – and she’s been there ever since.

Mary Farrell from Menlough was so inspired by the expertise, humanity and kindness she witnessed that she has volunteered as a day care assistant with Galway Hospice for the past seven years.

Mary’s tireless work was honoured recently at the iconic Dublin café, where she and Joan Boult, the Therapies Manager at Galway Hospice, both received Together for Hospice Hero Awards.

And this year also marked Mary’s sixth year hosting a Bewley’s Big Coffee Morning for Hospice at her home recently.

Running right across Ireland, this year’s national fundraiser aims to raise over €2million and officially takes place on September 25 – but supporters can host or attend a coffee morning on a date that suits them, with every cent raised locally going to their local Hospice.

Mary was recruited as a volunteer by her friend Anne Mitchell – but Galway Hospice was close to her heart having seen the care given to relatives.

“I am from a family of twelve where we were taught to do the best you can for others, but this is the best thing I ever did,” she said.

“I have learned so much about life. Hospice staff and volunteers are incredible. They show so much selflessness, compassion and care. It is truly amazing.’

“You can see it in the cards received from families. I feel so privileged to be part of this wonderful team.”

Last year, Mary’s Bewley’s Big Coffee Morning for Hospice at her Menlough home raised €1,600.

“I really enjoy working in day care at Galway Hospice,” said Mary.

“There are days when I may not be in good form going in, but I always feel a million dollars coming out.

“I am so thankful for my own good health, and that of my family, I feel I need to give something back. None of us knows what is ahead of us.

“The positivity of people with terminal illness can be unbelievable. It is wonderful to listen to life stories of those who wish to share them.”

Joan Boult, Therapies Manager at Galway Hospice, was also honoured at the event in Bewley’s Café.

Beginning as a senior physiotherapist 15 years ago, she now manages 14 therapists over two sites and has initiated a number of patient support programmes.

She says €2.5million has been raised locally over 20 years by coffee morning events, and that plans for a new 36-bed facility ensures fundraising is as important as ever.

“We want to use these funds to make the new building the best it can be, providing optimum care and support to the people of Galway City and County,” said Joan.

Together for Hospice, the National Hospice Movement, represents 24 hospice and specialist palliative homecare providers supporting patients and their families across Ireland.

Fundraised income is used by local hospice services to fund new buildings, extra comforts for patients and their families, and innovative patient care projects. Funds raised through Together for Hospice campaigns support some of the core services funded by the HSE.

Register to host a coffee morning on Thursday, September 25 – or on a date that suits you – at hospicecoffeemorning.ie or call 0818 995 996. If you cannot host or attend a coffee morning, you can donate at: hospicecoffeemorning.ie/donate.

Pictured: Joan Boult (second left) Therapies Manager at Galway Hospice Foundation, and Mary Farrell (second right) receive their Together for Hospice Hero awards at Bewley’s Café in Dublin, with (from left) Cól Campbell of Bewley’s, Lorraine Gallagher of Galway Hospice and Felix Campbell of Bewley’s.