Hundreds lend a hand during larccs magical day

Over 250 volunteers descended on cancer charity LARCC’s Multyfarnham base on Friday last to transform an unused field into a therapeutic garden.

The Multyfarnham based charity, which offers a range of support services to cancer sufferers and their families, were chosen by financial services firm Fidelity Investments for their annual Transformation Day initiative, which is organised by Difference Days.

Over 200 members of the firm’s staff travelled down from Galway and Dublin on Friday morning to transform the eight acre plot of land into a holistic garden, under the leadership of the horticultural team from Belvedere House and Gardens.

There was also a strong local input to the development of the garden with contributions from Mick Lynch and Sons and Dessie Greene Stone, as well as LARCC’S loyal band of local volunteers. Mullingar wood carver Richie Clarke also provided a piece for the centrepiece of the park. LARCC’s charity ambassador Bressie also paid a visit.

The garden is a “massive addition to the services LARCC provides”, according to general manager Bernie McHugh.

“It’s going to be an outdoor therapeutic space which will be of great benefit. The four corners have specific themes that will be suited towards such activities as one to one or group work and outdoor yoga. There is an outdoor children’s play therapy area too.”

“This was a once in a lifetime chance to be chosen by Fidelity, as a charity it’s hard enough to keep the centre open through fundraising so we would never have the resources to it.”

“It was an absolutely magical day, to see the transformation happen in one day had to be seen to be believed. We’d like to thank Fidelity Investments, Dennis O’Reilly and his team from Difference Days and the huge input from local firms and individuals, who together made it such a special day.”