Fundraiser for Offaly chef battling rare cancer nears huge target

Offaly man and well-known chef, Pat Kelly, is nearing his fundraising targets for hospital treatment as he battles a rare form of cancer.

The 47-year-old from Ballycumber (formerly Pullough) has been fighting Ewing Sarcoma for the past four years. Diagnosed in 2019, Pat went to hospital with a pain with his foot and subsequently lost half of his foot from the rare cancer. 

In 2021 and again in 2023, it returned - this time to his lungs. Pat's family and friends set up an iDonate page for people to fundraise for his upcoming treatments, having now raised over €34,000 of a €40,000 target.

"Throughout all of this, Pat and his family remain upbeat and strong – Pat continues to be in good form, always with a smile on his face," says a friend and organiser of the online fundraiser, Sinéad Lynam.

"Pat's siblings and extended family have helped them financially, but it's just not enough, as they are struggling with every day running costs and the additional costs associated with his hospital treatments.

"As Pat is unlikely to return to work for the foreseeable future, his family and friends have decided to set up this page."

Pat and his wife Sandra share two teenage children, who they want to give a "normal a life as possible". Sandra was also diagnosed with cancer back in 2013 but is recovering well, among additional health problems in recent years.

A benefit night for Pat and his family is taking place on Saturday, February 17 in Ballycumber community centre. Music, a bar and a raffle will take place on the night from 8pm. More details and tickets can be found on Facebook.