Support Night Nurses: Help Families Find Comfort This Christmas with Irish Cancer Society

In a heartfelt appeal, Lucy O'Shea from Caheriveen is urging the public to support the Irish Cancer Society's night nursing service, a vital resource that provided her family with comfort during their most challenging moments. The call comes as the festive season approaches, a time that Lucy recalls fondly with her father, Tim O'Shea, who passed away in April 2023 after battling cancer. Lucy reflects on the invaluable assistance they received from Agnes Horan, a night nurse who played a pivotal role in caring for Tim during his final days at home. "In April 2023, our lovely dad Tim O'Shea passed away quietly at home just before midnight. I feel there aren't any words to describe the precious gift the night nurses gave our family," she shared. Her words resonate with the gratitude many families feel when confronted with the complexities of end-of-life care. The experience of having a night nurse, according to Lucy, extends beyond mere medical support. "Until you need their support – until you feel their warmth and witness their amazing expertise – you don't really understand just how incredible they are," she said, emphasizing the comfort and assurance the service provided during an emotionally turbulent time. Lucy's appeal emphasizes that this Christmas will be bittersweet as the family reminisces about the moments shared with her father, urging others to contribute to the Irish Cancer Society to ensure that families in similar situations receive the same care and support. Elaine Crowley, a prominent TV presenter and advocate for cancer support services, has joined the call for donations. Elaine has also faced personal losses from cancer, having lost her father Sean to a rare form of the disease when she was just 23. She further experienced the pain of losing her mother, Mary V, in 2021, and her nephew Ultan in 2023. This Christmas, Elaine implores the public to recognize the importance of services like those offered by the Irish Cancer Society, particularly their night nursing service, which plays a crucial role during the holiday season. Averil Power, CEO of the Irish Cancer Society, highlighted the significant impact of their night nurses, who delivered nearly 6,900 nights of care to patients in their final days last year, including during the Christmas holidays. "This service would simply not be possible without the incredible generosity of people all over the country who give their support and make donations to the Irish Cancer Society," she stated. With only five percent of their funding coming from the government, Power emphasized the reliance on individual and organizational donations to sustain their services. As families gear up for the festive season, the messages from Lucy and Elaine serve as poignant reminders of the importance of community support in battling cancer. By contributing to the Irish Cancer Society, individuals can help ensure that critical services remain available for those who need them most, providing comfort and care to families facing the challenges of cancer.