Money raised at hospice coffee mornings help people 'die with dignity'

With a little more than two weeks to go before this year's Bewley's Big Coffee Morning for Hospice on September 26, North Westmeath Hospice already has over 45 people from across the locality signed up to hold coffee mornings.

Last year, around €28,000 was raised locally, and all of it went to help fund the invaluable range of services that North Westmeath Hospice's palliative care teams provide for families in their hours of need.

The Big Coffee Morning officially takes place on Thursday, September 26, supporters can host an event on any date that suits them.

North Westmeath Hospice will once again be holding a coffee morning on Market Square on both Thursday, September 26, and Friday, September 27.

Speaking earlier today (Tuesday) at the launch of this year's coffee morning, chairperson Margaret Claffey said that while North Westmeath Hospice is hoping that the weather gods will play ball on the days in question, they know they can depend on the goodwill and support of local people, and that it's something they are deeply grateful for.

"We are asking people to host coffee mornings, be it in their own house, in their garden, in their office or other workplaces, wherever.

"It can be on the day or any other day that suits them. It doesn't really matter. We'll be in Market Square, and if people can't hold one themselves, they can come in and support us. They can also donate online or call to our office on Mary Street."

Along with Sunflower Day in June, the Bewley's Big Coffee Morning for Hospice is one of the national hospice movement's biggest annual fundraisers.

Margaret says the best thing about both fundraisers is that all of the money raised locally or donated by a Westmeath person online goes to North Westmeath Hospice. The money is put to great use.

"Every cent that is raised stays local. The money we provide funds the specialist palliative care teams that offer end-of-life care to all who are terminally ill in North Westmeath.

"You only have to mention hospice, and people around here are so loyal. Everyone knows a family who has availed of the service or has been touched by it in some way.

"We are all going to die, and we are entitled to die with dignity. The palliative care teams try to make it the nicest experience it can be for the person who is terminally ill and their families."

Register to host a coffee morning on Thursday, September 26 - or on a date that suits you – at hospicecoffeemorning.ie or call 0818 995 996.

If you cannot host or attend a coffee morning, you can make a donation at hospicecoffeemorning.ie/donate