Darragh’s hair-raising fundraiser

A fantastic night was held in Michael Finn’s pub in Templemore recently. This was a night like no other as it was a celebration of not only a family and what they have achieved, but a night of celebration for the whole community that has rallied around this exceptional family.

Siobhan Hyland-Ryan from the Mid-Western Cancer Foundation was there to accept €19,054 in donations to the charity. Siobhan thanked Declan and Sarah Barry, their teenage son Darragh, and all involved for inviting her to this fantastic evening.

Darragh grew his hair for nearly four years before having it cut as part of a charity fundraiser for Mid-Western Cancer Foundation. In accepting the donation on behalf of the foundation, Siobhan said: “I am positive that there is not one member of the public here that is not affected either directly or indirectly by cancer. It’s a credit to Darragh and the Barry family that they could turn a helpless time into a positive action that will set seeds for more positive outcomes for families in a similar situation.”

The Mid-Western Cancer Foundation is the local cancer charity here in the region. All donations are used in this region to enhance services for patients attending the Cancer Centre at the University Hospital Limerick and for research at the University of Limerick. Siobhan confirmed the chairman, all the directors and the board members of the foundation are volunteers and do not receive any remuneration.

The Mid-Western Cancer Foundation is located on the grounds of the University Hospital Limerick, adjacent to the Mid-Western Cancer Centre. The foundation was established to streamline donations. It aims to provide holistic care for patients with cancer and also supports cancer research in the Mid-West region and at the Graduate Entry Medical School in University of Limerick. The Mid Western Cancer Centre in Limerick provides a full range of services to patients with cancer such as a dedicated inpatient ward and a Haematology/Oncology Day Ward where patients attend for investigation, at time of diagnosis and for treatment thereafter.

In addition, there is a Regional Specialist Breast Unit, Radiotherapy Centre, Palliative Care Service and a Patient Information & Support Centre where patients and their families can also avail of up-to-date, research-based information on their cancer and their treatment. This cancer charity has been heavily impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic as it is heavily dependent on voluntary donations, and fundraising events. They also had to cancel popular fundraising events like the Butterfly Ball and Ladies’ Luncheons due to the pandemic. As a result nearly all its income ceased, therefore this donation is very much appreciated by the cancer charity.

Well done to Darragh and the Barry family.