Timmy and Laura McAuliffe

Our beautiful wife, mother and grandmother Margaret passed away on the 11th of May, 2020 after a long illness borne with dignity and also with consideration for us, her family, whom she was to leave behind.

It was Margaret’s wish to spend her final months in her own home surrounded by and to be cared for by her loved ones.

Margaret got her wish and we had seven precious and rewarding months with her.

This was made possible in no small way by H.S.E Oncology, Mullingar and in particular the wonderful Palliative Care Team whose care for Margaret was gentle, caring and respectful and whose guidance and encouragement to us allowed us to confidently care for Margaret in our home.

We are forever grateful.

-Timmy and Laura McAuliffe

Private Testimonial

When my husband was approaching the final phase of his cancer journey, his main worry was that her would have to go into hospital, as I would not be able to take care of him at home. He kept saying I will need 24hour care and you will not be able to do that. You can come and visit me in hospital.

When the palliative care team tool over my husband’s care at home, all his final wishes and worries were discussed. The team promised him that he could stay at home and that they would provide all the care he needed and I would be there too.

My husband was so relieved and this helped to make his final days happy and easier for everyone. A night nurse came every night at 11pm until 7am, which meant he was more relaxed knowing she was there for him. The nurse specialist called every morning to assess his needs, pain etc. They brought him a special bed and special mattress which made it easier to nurse him.

The care he got in the comfort of his own home was incredible and I will never forget it. My husband passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving, heart-broken family. This was exactly what he wanted but feared that it could not happen.

Although my husband is no longer with me I am very grateful and will never forget the care that was given to him by the palliative care team at home.

Private Testimonial

Anna Rolston

The Hospice people were so caring and helpful to my family during my husband's last days. They made everything so easy. Thank you so much Hospice.

Anna Rolston

Agnes

I am so grateful to the palliative care team who took such wonderful care of my husband during the last weeks of his life. They brought a calmness and a great sense of security to all of us.

To be reassured of a pain-free, peaceful passing is so comforting to both the patient and loved ones. They showed such compassion and understanding. The physical and spiritual needs of the patient were met in a holistic manner. They were sensitive and reassuring and prepared us with compassion.

I honestly don’t know how we would have coped without their help. They are an amazing team of caregivers.

The palliative care team make it possible for a patient, at end of life, to die with dignity in the comfort of their own home and surrounded by loved ones.

A huge thank you to all who cared for my husband at the end of his short life and also the aftercare which I and my family received at the time.

I am forever grateful to all of you.

-Agnes

North Westmeath Hospice Sunflower Days (2021)

Hospice Sunflower Days are officially here and Together for Hospice, The National Hospice Movement, is calling on the public to dedicate a sunflower in memory of a loved one in their ‘Virtual Sunflower Remembrance Garden’. The garden, which will be open throughout the month of June, will help raise vital funds for local hospice and home care services throughout the country.

The ‘Virtual Sunflower Remembrance Garden’ will be open for the full month of June at www.togetherforhospice.ie/sunflowerdays. Members of the public can visit the website and dedicate a virtual sunflower in memory of a loved one while also making a donation to their local hospice. The special dedications can be shared with friends or family members to let them know they are in your thoughts and every euro raised will go directly to your selected local hospice service.

Coordinated by Together for Hospice, The National Hospice Movement, representing 26 hospices and home care services nationwide including North Westmeath Hospice, this new remembrance campaign aims to raise much needed funds for hospice and specialist palliative home care services nationwide whilst also providing the opportunity to remember loved ones, celebrate memories and remind us that we are not alone.

Hospices and home care services across the country need to raise approximately €20million each year and all funds raised will directly support your local hospice, enabling them to continue to provide person-centred, holistic and loving care to patients and their loved ones free of charge.

Dedicating a virtual sunflower in memory of a loved one offers a wonderful way for people to show support for the work of their local hospice whilst celebrating the life of a loved one.

Speaking about the new ‘Virtual Sunflower Remembrance Garden’, Television Personality and Sunflower Days Ambassador, Baz Ashmawy, commented, "I am delighted to support Together for Hospice, the National Hospice Movement, with the launch of the new Hospice Sunflower Days Virtual Sunflower Remembrance garden. It is wonderful way for people to remember a loved one during what has been such a difficult time for so many, while supporting the vital work of local hospices. I encourage as many people as possible to log on to www.togetherforhospice.ie/sunflowerdays and dedicate a virtual sunflower this June". 

Veronica Larkin, committee member, North Westmeath Hospice,commented,

“We hope our new virtual sunflower remembrance garden offers a meaningful space for people to celebrate the life of a loved one, remember together with friends and family and help raise vital funds for 26 hospice and specialist palliative home care services throughout the country. By coming together online we can support these vital frontline services both now and into the future.” 

The North Westmeath Hospice plans to have only one on-street station for this year’s Sunflower Days on Friday the 11th of June on Market Square.

For more information and details of your local hospice and homecare service or to plant a virtual sunflower for Hospice Sunflower Days today log onto www.togetherforhospice.ie/sunflowerdays

Thank You (2020)

A huge THANK YOU to all of our amazing supporters during Hospice Sunflower Days during such a challenging year for The North Westmeath Hospice  Your kindness and generosity helps us to keep vital Hospice and Specialist Palliative homecare services going.

Did You Know? (2020)

Did you know?

- Hospice care is provided free of charge

- Hospice care is about quality of life and living as well as possible with an illness

- It provides support to patients and their families extending into bereavement

By supporting Hospice Sunflower Days you are directly supporting frontline hospice services. Please donate what you can  Thank You

A sunflower can brighten the darkest day... (2020)

Thursday, June 4th 2020 Text: A sunflower can brighten up the darkest day, and we are determined to bring a little light into people’s lives right now! We have put together a ‘Share the Sunshine’ pack which contains some simple tips on how to spread a little joy in your community;

For more ways to ‘Share the sunshine’ our download pack can be downloaded at www.togetherforhospice.ie

Sunflower Days - Mary Kennedy (2020)

Mary Kennedy, our long term Ambassador and supporter has a message for our all of our wonderful Hospice Sunflower Days volunteers and supporters in the community. Please donate what you can to support us

Share the Sunshine (2020)

Monday, 1st June 2020 Despite recent events, we’re determined to spread some joy in our community! We’re asking you to display a sunflower in your window on 5th & 6th June to support Hospice frontline workers. For more ways to ‘Share the Sunshine’ for Hospice Sunflower Days this year, you can also download our fun Sunflower Pack here; https://www.togetherforhospice.ie/.All we ask is you donate what you can to support the North Westmeath Hospice