Latest news with #CancerCareWest
Sunday World
12 hours ago
- General
- Sunday World
Fundraiser for family of Galway man who died in house fire is launched
'His family have suffered such an unimaginable loss' Friends of a Galway man who died tragically in a house fire have said he 'touched so many lives' as they raise money to help his family. Kevin Kelly died after a fire broke out at a cottage near Casla, a village between Inverin and Carraroe, at around 6am on Tuesday morning, June 3. The 31-year-old died alongside death row survivor Sunny Jacobs, who Kevin had been caring for for in a home-help capacity. He has been remembered as a 'free spirit' who 'went above and beyond' to help others in his life. He was also described as having a love of dogs and spent time volunteering for rescue shelter MADRA. A funeral fund has now been set up in his name with the money raised going towards helping his family with the costs of the funeral, which took place on Saturday. The rest of the funds raised will be donated to Cancer Care West. The GoFundMe page reads: 'Kevin Kelly was a 31 year old man who died tragically in a house fire on Tuesday 3rd of June in Connemara. He was a beloved son, brother, partner and friend who will be incredibly missed. He touched so many lives and made such a positive impact during his short time on earth. 'A passionate dog lover and trainer, who spent many years working for MADRA dog rescue, he was adored by everyone who knew him. He will be remembered in the hearts of many as a 'free spirit' who was always smiling and went above and beyond to help others. His death has shocked an entire community and there is a true feeling of heaviness and sadness in the air. 'Given the very sudden and tragic nature in which he died, I am raising funds in order to help his family cover some of the financial costs of his funeral which took place on June 7 in Discovery Church in Galway. 'His family have suffered such an unimaginable and heart breaking loss. I really wish to ease even a small bit of this hardship and allow them to grieve without having such a huge financial burden also hanging over them. 'We sincerely appreciate any and all support at this extremely difficult time. 'If you are not in a position to donate, please share this fundraiser. 'Any funds raised above the target will be donated to Cancer Care West. They have provided amazing support and care to Kevin's dad and partner who have both recently undergone cancer treatment.' You can donate to the GoFundMe here. Kevin Kelly died tragically in a house fire in Galway on Tuesday, June 3. Photo: GoFundMe News in 90 Seconds - 09 June 2025
Irish Independent
16 hours ago
- General
- Irish Independent
Fundraiser for Galway man who died in tragic house fire is launched – ‘His family have suffered such an unimaginable loss'
Kevin Kelly died after a fire broke out at a cottage near Casla, a village between Inverin and Carraroe, at around 6am on Tuesday morning, June 3. The 31-year-old died alongside death row survivor Sunny Jacobs, who Kevin had been caring for for in a home-help capacity. He has been remembered as a 'free spirit' who 'went above and beyond' to help others in his life. He was also described as having a love of dogs and spent time volunteering for rescue shelter MADRA. A funeral fund has now been set up in his name with the money raised going towards helping his family with the costs of the funeral, which took place on Saturday. The rest of the funds raised will be donated to Cancer Care West. The GoFundMe page reads: 'Kevin Kelly was a 31 year old man who died tragically in a house fire on Tuesday 3rd of June in Connemara. He was a beloved son, brother, partner and friend who will be incredibly missed. He touched so many lives and made such a positive impact during his short time on earth. 'A passionate dog lover and trainer, who spent many years working for MADRA dog rescue, he was adored by everyone who knew him. He will be remembered in the hearts of many as a 'free spirit' who was always smiling and went above and beyond to help others. His death has shocked an entire community and there is a true feeling of heaviness and sadness in the air. 'Given the very sudden and tragic nature in which he died, I am raising funds in order to help his family cover some of the financial costs of his funeral which took place on June 7 in Discovery Church in Galway. 'His family have suffered such an unimaginable and heart breaking loss. I really wish to ease even a small bit of this hardship and allow them to grieve without having such a huge financial burden also hanging over them. 'We sincerely appreciate any and all support at this extremely difficult time. 'If you are not in a position to donate, please share this fundraiser. 'Any funds raised above the target will be donated to Cancer Care West. They have provided amazing support and care to Kevin's dad and partner who have both recently undergone cancer treatment.' You can donate to the GoFundMe here.
Irish Examiner
2 days ago
- Irish Examiner
Seven days of unforgettable hiking in the Donegal highlands
An avid Camino walker, Peggy Stringer found in 2020 that she was unable to undertake her usual Spanish hike due to coronavirus restrictions. Seeing a silver lining in the dark Covid cloud, the resourceful Carndonagh-born businesswoman decided that if she couldn't visit Iberia, she would instead bring Spain to her native county. As vice president of the Donegal Association in Dublin, Stringer wanted to ensure that the Association's charity contributions could continue despite the pandemic, which had forced the cancellation of most fund-raising activities. Noreen Darcy, Deirdre McGlone and Peggy Stringer on the Donegal Camino, 2023 With five friends, she trekked 160 kilometres in her native county while raising badly needed cash for Cancer Care West. To her surprise, they raised €5,460 and the idea for a major charity event in the Northwest was born. By adopting the evocative moniker 'Donegal Camino', Stringer acquired an appellation for the project that spoke of purposeful walking through the very best of the unspoiled Donegal outback. With this compelling title, the new event was destined to go from strength to strength. For the 2021 Donegal Camino, Stringer invited her friend, the Donegal Person of the Year 2015, Deirdre McGlone, to get involved. McGlone brought additional marketing nous to the project since she had, with her husband Marc Gysling, helped establish and later owned Harvey's Point, one of Ireland's finest hotels. Also, joining the team in 2021 was TV personality Noel Cunningham, a board member for Cancer Care West and the current Donegal Person of the Year. In its second year, the Donegal Camino attracted about 50 participants and raised €20,000 for cancer support. The event had now established itself not only as an important fundraiser but also as a showcase for the enchanting Donegal landscape. Donegal Camino — there are one-, three-, and seven-day walking options. Pictures: John G O'Dwyer Since then, it has been onwards and upwards with the Camino 2024 having 735 participants and raising a record €122,000. Now a highlight of the Irish walking calendar, it draws large numbers of participants to the Northwest each September and has raised a total of €280k for cancer support services with its unique selling point of seven days unforgettable hiking amid the Donegal highlands. Starting each year from Malin Head, the most northerly point in Ireland, the Camino weaves its way south to Europe's highest sea cliffs on Sliabh Liag with an itinerary designed to showcase the best of the Northwest including its offshore islands. One of its strengths is undoubtedly that it is not a linear walk and thus avoids the logistical problems this would entail. Instead, the Donegal Camino offers a series of stand-alone hikes that are changed from year to year to reveal different aspects of the Northwest. Those who have enjoyed the event previously are thus supplied with a reason to return and enjoy a different experience. Donegal Camino 2025 takes in some of the most breathtaking walking routes in Donegal from Inishowen Head to Europe's highest sea cliffs, Sliabh Liag. Pictures: John G O'Dwyer The Donegal Camino is designed around a simple premise. Participants find their own accommodation and use private transport to reach the trailhead for the hike. The organisers then request each person to donate €100 to Cancer Care West for each day walked, although this requirement isn't written in stone. Participants can then choose to join some or all of the walks on offer. The Donegal Camino 2025 will again raise funds for Cancer Care West Support Centre Donegal. The Donegal Camino 2025 programme of walks Donegal Camino. Pictures: Colm Canny Camino Sunday, August 31 Delightful 10 kilometre loop walk beginning and ending at Shrove Beach, Inishowen, while taking in magnificent Malin Head and offering views over Loughs Foyle and Swilly. Monday, September 1 Still on the Inishowen Peninsula, it is a relatively strenuous but rewarding walk from Leenankeel Beach across the remote Urris Hills to historic Fort Dunree, whose guns once protected the naval anchorage here. Tuesday, September 2 Starting from Strabane Bridge, this low-level trek combines roads with tracks. It leads through the fertile East Donegal farmlands to picturesque Oakfield Park, Raphoe. Wednesday September 3 Starting at 4.30am, a starlit hike presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to view a magical sunrise from Errigal's summit. Alternative walk for inclement weather is the Bridle Path in Glenveagh National Park. Thursday, September 4 The tradition of visiting an island on the Donegal Camino continues today with a hike around Irish-speaking Arranmore Island. On offer is an easy 16 km circuit along the wild grandeur of the Arranmore Loop. Friday, September 5 Today, it is a 13 kilometre section of the 'Appalachian Trail' from Glenties to Ardara. The route follows a quiet road before diving left to join the meandering waters of the Owenea River. Later, it leaves the waterside for Ardara and a complimentary dram at Sliabh Liag Distillery. Saturday, September 6 Finale hike to Bun Glas, the viewing point for the magnificent Slieve Liag Cliffs. Alternative: an opportunity to view the same cliffs from an ocean cruise. Register here for the Donegal Camino
Irish Independent
07-05-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
Who are the nine winners of Galway City Council's Mayor's Awards 2025?
Over 90 individuals and groups, who were nominated across all categories received an individually designed Certificate from the Mayor in recognition of their voluntary activity in community life across the city. This year's nine winners were announced this May at ceremony at the Galway Bay Hotel. Galway Hospice Foundation Volunteers were the big winners of the night as they received the Galway City Volunteer of the Year Award. 'The volunteers provide companionship, support grieving families, offer personal care to enhance well-being and organise fundraising to sustain vital services.' 'They are at the heart of hospice care, offering their time selflessly to ensure every patient and family receives compassion, dignity, and comfort. Their commitment is unwavering, with many serving for years or even decades, showing unparalleled dedication.' Among the other winners, Johanna Downes received the Community Service and Social Inclusion (Individual) Award, while the Community Service and Social Inclusion (Group) Award was given to Cancer Care West Support Volunteers. Cancer Care West Support Volunteers were praised for going 'above and beyond, offering not just their time, but their hearts, to ensure that patients and families feel understood, valued, and supported during some of the most challenging times in their lives' while Ms Downes was awarded 'for her leadership, humour, and boundless energy which make her an exceptional ambassador for the National Breast Cancer Research Institute and for Galway'. Senior Citizen Volunteer of the Year Award went to Gerald Molloy (RIP) in honour of his 15 years as a volunteer with the Galway Hospice Foundation. He is remembered as 'a true gentleman who represented the hospice at countless presentations and delivered numerous coffee packs to hosts across the city and county.' The award was collected by Raymond Molloy on his behalf. The Arts, Culture, Heritage and Cúrsaí Gaeilge Award was given to Galway Street Ambassadors 'for sharing local insights, event information, and guidance on amenities, they have played a vital role in enhancing the visitor experience and showcasing the best of what Galway has to offer.' Merlin Woods Allotments Group received the Residents and Local Area Award in honour of the group's 'hard work and selflessness in improving the lives of those around them, bringing people together, and building a more sustainable community.' Tuatha of Terryland Forest Park was awarded the Environmental Sustainability Award as this group 'through their tireless volunteer efforts, have significantly enhanced a local urban park, committing to ongoing nature restoration, conservation projects, and environmental education'. Sarah Caulfield took home the Sports Volunteer of the Year Award as her 'dedication, leadership, and commitment to inclusivity have made a lasting impact. Her efforts have made it possible for more individuals facing physical or financial challenges to engage and feel part of a club.' Galway Sea Scouts were the winners of the Children and Youth Support Award after making 'a significant impact on youth development in Galway, offering young people the opportunity to grow through adventure and outdoor activities. With an inclusive approach, they ensure all children, regardless of background or ability, can participate and benefit.'
