On the 27th July cyclists from Kenmare will commence a 638 km charity cycle from Mizen Head to Malin Head to raise funds for the Aoife O’ Sullivan Oncology Education Fund. The family of the late Aoife O’Sullivan, in conjunction with the Oncology Department at CUH and CUH Charity, set up the fund to raise funds to advance the education of nurses in the Oncology Department at the hospital.
Born in Bonane, Co Kerry, Aoife’s life ambition was to become a teacher and through her third level education in Mary Immaculate College in Limerick and her Masters in Education in the University of Limerick, she achieved her goal. Aoife spent two years in Ratoath College teaching Irish and Geography. During this time Aoife’s love of teaching shone through and was particularly evident in the relationship she built up with her students and colleagues.
Aoife was diagnosed with cancer on her 28th birthday in May 2018. When Aoife was faced with her illness she took on any setbacks with dignity and bravery. She received treatment both as an inpatient in GB Ward and in the Dunmanway Day Unit at the hospital. The professional attention Aoife received from the entire Oncology Department was extraordinary and her family quickly realised that the Nursing Staff are a vital link in the treatment of cancer patients. Throughout Aoife’s illness her parents became aware that treatments for cancer are constantly being improved and recognised the importance of ongoing education and upskilling in this area of medicine.
“Aoife was a very special, wonderful young woman who had so much to offer to her students, friends, her parents and her brother Sean. We were very privileged and honoured to have had her in our lives albeit for too short a time. We miss her dearly. We are pleased that any funds raised in Aoife’s memory will be used for the further education of nurses in Oncology. Aoife would be so very pleased.” – Aoife’s parents, Tina and Pat O’Sullivan.
To support the Mizen Head to Malin Head Cycle please click on Donate Now.
(Please reference the Aoife O’ Sullivan Oncology Education Fund with your donation). Thank You.