Over €17,000 raised for the creation of a new Midlands Regional Hospice

A local fundraising mission has raised €17,339.12 towards the creation of a new Midlands Regional Hospice which will serve communities in Laois, Offaly, Longford and Westmeath.

The money raised is a result of the fantastic efforts made by the organisers and cast of 'Calendar Girls the Musical', as well as Midlands Credit Union Group which is made up of local credit unions Chapter 15,  St. Brigid’s CU Clara, North Midlands CU Mullingar, People First CU Portlaoise, ACCU Athlone, Mountmellick CU and Mountrath CU. 

The fundraising efforts included a myriad of activities and endeavours such as an 8-week 'Sunflower Steps' fitness challenge, the commissioning of a limited edition print by local artist Emma Campbell, raffles and even a waxing and shaving fundraiser at The Old Warehouse Tullamore. 

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All of these amazing fundraising events culminated with the sell-out production of 'Calendar Girls the Musical' at the Esker Arts Centre in Tullamore which saw the cast take to the stage from 1-5 May.

The musical was a huge success and was said to encapsulate the motivations of everyone involved to raise money for such an important service in the community. 

A wide range of local businesses showed their support to the cause through sponsoring the musical.

During the presentation of the cheque at Esker Arts Centre on Wednesday 9 October, Professor Humphrey O’Connor of Offaly Hospice expressed his extreme gratitude to all those involved in the fundraising efforts.