The Breeda Mc Grath Memorial Fund was founded by the McGrath and Leonard families in 2018 to support patients of the Dunmanway Day Unit (Cancer Services) at Cork University Hospital. It was established in loving memory of Breeda McGrath to ensure that patients undergoing cancer treatment are assisted in times of financial difficulty.

Breeda Mc Grath was from Kilfinane, Co Limerick. During her life she was always supportive of charities. Breeda developed breast cancer and underwent treatment at the Dunmanway Day Unit. At the Unit other patients would be discussing the financial burden of being unwell- the loss of income as a result of being out sick, the heating bills and the car parking charges. Sadly, Breeda died in January 2018 aged 50 years. Her beloved husband Mattie said she had wanted to give something back and he put his energy into raising funds.

At the 2018 Limerick Ladies Mini Marathon 64 of Breeda’s  supporters, among them Breeda’s mother 77- year-old Bridget Leonard, honoured her memory. T-shirts worn on the day had Breeda’s motto: “No matter how you feel, get up, dress up, show up and never give up”. More than €20,000 was raised and shortly after the Breeda Mc Grath Memorial Fund was established.

The Fund has been particularly important for patients during Covid-19.

‘We hope that the fund will inspire similar acts of kindness and that future donations will be made to the fund to allow others to benefit.’ (Prof Seamus O’ Reilly, Consultant Oncologist)

‘The support we have received through this fund has had a meaningful impact on our family at a very challenging time.’ (Patient Quote)

Please donate to the Breeda McGrath Memorial Fund and support cancer patients in times of financial difficulty.

The family of Aoife O’Sullivan, in conjunction with the Oncology Department at CUH and Cork University Hospital Charity, set up the ‘Aoife O’ Sullivan Oncology Education Fund Appeal’ to raise funds to advance the education of nurses in the Oncology Department at Cork University 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, never once did she complain or say “why me”. Her mantra was – I’ve got cancer but cancer doesn’t have me. Aoife’s resilience was amazing up to the end. She received treatment both as an inpatient in GB Ward and in the Dunmanway Day Unit in CUH. 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. Their tireless work gave them the confidence and comfort that Aoife was receiving the best care. This team of people became their new family.

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.

Speaking about the Fund Professor Seamus O’ Reilly, Consultant Oncologist at CUH said “Given Aoife’s own background in education and the incredible relationship she developed with so many nurses in CUH we feel it would be a very powerful initiative to set up the Aoife O’Sullivan Education Fund. Funds raised will be directly used to advance the training of nurses. Cancer treatments continue to change at pace and it is vital that all nurses are regularly refreshing their knowledge”.

Please support the Aoife O’ Sullivan Oncology Education Fund Appeal by making a donation today and help us to raise funds to advance the education of nurses in the Oncology Department at Cork University Hospital.