Sinead gives something back to cancer society

Based in Barcelona for the last 14 years, Mullingar native Sinead McCormick, returned home to Petitswood Manor to look after her parents, Jimmy and Patricia McCormick, who were diagnosed with cancer.

“In August 2014 my dad was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer,” said Sinead.

“Everyone was devastated, especially my mum, who has been his full-time carer since he had a stroke six years ago.

“She has been looking after him with never-ending love and care. Then, towards the end of 2014, my mum was diagnosed with lung cancer,” explains Sinead, a garden designer who studied Amenity Horticulture in the Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin.

“I remember feeling stunned, I think we all were. But now, 10 months on, things are looking good again. Thankfully she was diagnosed early and they were able to operate.

“In the first few months, the recovery was tough on her, but now she is cancer free and on her way to recovery, and Dad is still doing good too.”

Throughout this time, the Irish Cancer Society has been incredibly supportive to Sinead and her family in many ways.

“Mum once worked for the them as a palliative care nurse looking after terminally ill patients in their homes during their last days.

“Physically and emotionally it was a hard job, but I now realise how the work that she did was invaluable and deeply appreciated by the families.”

Because of this, Sinead, who previously trekked the Himalayas, says she wants to embrace life and is to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in October, with all funds raised going to the Irish Cancer Society.

“Rather than just going around door to door asking people for money, I thought I could design a garden. People have been great, Shaws Hardware, O’Meara’s garden centre, Mullingar Hardware, Woodie’s and Glenfern Garden Centre have all donated plants and materials.

“So every donation of €20 or more will go into a draw for a stunning garden make over.

“If someone has a back yard with nothing there, then I have more free reign to design something nice. If they have a garden, it will just be a matter of improving what they already have.”

The winner will be announced on Thursday August 6 at Regina Healy’s beautiful Georgian home, Glenmore House, on the Dublin Road, Mullingar.

“A coffee morning will be held there in aid of the Irish Cancer Society, starting at noon.

• To make a donation and enter the draw for the garden makeover, go to mycharity.ie/event/sinead_mc_cormicks_event

Make sure to include your contact details as well as the word ‘Garden’ in the remarks field.