Laois RTÉ star Claire Byrne launches calendar for hospice

Mountrath woman and RTÉ broadcaster Claire Byrne was on hand recently to help launch the much anticipated 2024 Offaly Hospice Calendar.

Dedicated to the numerous volunteers, donors, and friends who support the foundation, was launched recently, the photographs in the calendar gives you some idea of the remarkable range of activities and events that volunteers have used to raise funds for Offaly Hospice.

In partnership with the HSE, the funds raised by volunteers are directly used locally to help care for patients and families enduring the trauma of life-limiting illness.

The ultimate aim of all the hospice's work is to ensure patients receive excellent care appropriate for their needs at any point on their difficult journey.

Apart from fundraising, the work of volunteers also has other significant benefits, perhaps less well recognised.

The Hospice says: "More than any other branch of medicine, the delivery of effective Palliative Care depends on consistent community support, local leadership, and close collaboration between Hospice Groups and the HSE who share a vision of how best to look after patients and their families. It is so important for people in the Midlands to feel ownership and pride in their local Palliative Care service. The work and enormous contribution from volunteers is the way to achieve that.

"As always, a sincere "Thank You" to Michael Carroll, hospice's ace calendar volunteer who seems to make all this happen with such ease. There would be no calendar without Michael.

"Sincere thanks to RTE's Claire Byrne, Offaly Hospice's excellent patron who makes the launch of the calendar that bit special," says Offaly Hospice.

Calendars are €5 each for A4 size full colour and are available to buy from the Offaly Hospice Charity Shop along with various other outlets.  For more information contact 057 9328634.