Support and care that Donegal Hospice provide outlined on 20th anniversary

The support and care that patients and their family receive at Donegal Hospice was outlined at an event which was held in Letterkenny to mark the twentieth anniversary of the non-profit organisation. 

Many staff members, volunteers and those affiliated with the organisation arrived in the Hospice to help mark the important event. A service was held shortly after 1pm earlier this afternoon.  

Reverend Jim Lamont said the Hospice is a place of love, caring and healing. He said he couldn't think of any place he would rather be should he come to that stage of life where he needed care.  

“This place has been such a help and strength to people who have had to face terminal illness,” he said.  

He described the wonderful care that patients and their families receive in the Hospice. 

He thanked both past and present staff who have worked tirelessly to ensure the care of their patients and family. 

Father Sean Gallagher said that every time he walked in the door of the building, over the years, he knew he was walking into a warm community. 

“Staff go beyond their paycheck and they do so many special  little things for people,” he said, adding that the work that goes on in the Hospice cannot be quantified. 

He thanked all those who have fundraised and continue to fundraise which he said is a ‘marvellous tribute to the work that is carried out by the Hospice. 

He thanked both past and present clergy who are and who have been affiliated with the organisation. 

Reverend Heather Houlton asked all those gathered to pause in prayer and remember all those who have passed away.

She thanked those who carried out the medical care and all those who had been there ‘through tears and through laughter.’

Grace Boyle said: “It’s the people’s hospice, Donegal Hospice belongs to the people of Donegal.”

She spoke of the charitable work that is carried out for the Hospice and the work that is in turn carried out by Hospice workers.  

Catherine Regan thanked all those who have helped and contributed to the Hospice over the years. 

“I would like to thank all the people who have gone through our doors,” she said, adding that another occasion will take place for the Hospice in summer. 

Lucy McGettigan who has worked in the Hospice since the beginning with the Hospice said she was delighted to see so many familiar faces at the occasion. She spoke of the history of those who worked alongside her over the years - students and those who have married and she thanked the community of those who have made the Hospice the warm, caring and supportive organisation it has become today. 

She said it is a privilege to have worked there.