Hospice Africa Ireland would like to thank all those who hosted their own special and varied “It's a Wonderful Life” Film Receptions all over Ireland in December. All proceeds go directly to Hospice Africa Ireland to fund palliative care treatment for over 2,500 patients in three hospices in Uganda.

Angela Cooney, Fundraising Manager for Hospice Africa Ireland, remarked “I’ve been taken aback by the strong level of support for this fundraiser – it’s really quite uplifting to know that so many are willing and interested in raising funds for hospice care in Uganda, even during what has been a very difficult year for us all here in Ireland.”

December 2009

Ireland

Congratulations to Peter Walsh, our very own Road Runner from Raheny, who successfully completed the Chicago City Marathon for Hospice Africa Ireland within the 4 hour mark … Peter, you’re a legend, and roll on Boston and New York in 2010!

11 October 2009

Ireland

HAI would like to sincerely thank all participants in the 2-day cycle from Dublin to Galway that took place 10-11 October 2009. It was hard to believe that, as the cyclists met on a cold, dark morning in October at The Phoenix Park in Dublin, they were about to cycle 227 kilometres to Galway! All of them were smiling and happy to be there so a few of us thought that perhaps they didn’t realise what a challenge they had agreed to take on … how wrong we were – all of these fantastically funny and generous cyclists knew exactly what was before them and had decided to give it a go for a great cause. Everyone safely reached Athlone that evening in great spirits after completing an amazing 129kms cycle and, although we woke the next morning to a wet overcast day, everyone was present and accounted for to start the final day’s cycle from Athlone to Galway. Within hours, we were enjoying the fantastic scenery of the West of Ireland, and the entire group crossed the finish line in Salthill, Galway amid blazing sunshine, before celebrating with a glass of bubbly and dinner.

10-11 October 2009

Ireland

The participants gather at the start-line for the 2009 HAI Cycle from Dublin to
Galway Challenge

Well done to all. We thank you for your support, your donations and, most of all, your company on this fantastic Hospice Africa Ireland event. See you all next year!

Join us on Facebook to see more photographs from the 2009 Cycle from Dublin to Galway Challenge.

The 2009 Flora Mini Marathon took place on 1 June 2009 and proved to be another great event for all involved, including the brave runners who completed the 10K race. Proceeds went to Hospice Africa Ireland and the Hospice Africa Uganda children’s fund.

1 June 2009

Ireland

On Sunday morning 26 April 2009, five members of the Hospice Africa Ireland team stood at the starting line of the London City Marathon. First in line was Peter Walsh, aka Superman - see the photos below and you’ll see why. Next up was Dave Pepper, De Young-Un. Dave “The Joker” Quinn, Austin “Señor Vino” Bradshaw and Tom “Don’t Touch My Chips” O’Connor were also there, all ready to make history: to run their first marathon and live to tell the tale.

Their hard work and hours of training was rewarded by the most unbelievable day, as they passed the finish line – no injuries, all smiles.

Well done boys – now, anyone up for New York?

View photos from the London Marathon

26 April 2009

England

The mix was a sure thing! Start with 15 Old World wines waiting to be tasted, add a splash of Belgium’s finest beers, mix with thirsty and fun-loving doctors and serve up with trays of cheese & speciality meats. A recipe for a great evening, which is what everyone had on 16 April 2009 when D-Six wine bar, Harold’s Cross, hosted a fantastic Wine Tasting event, in aid of Hospice Africa Ireland, with all proceeds going towards palliative care in Uganda. Special thanks to Niamh O’Connor and Angela Cooney, HAI’s Fundraising Manager, for making the evening such a memorable event … even if we all couldn’t remember if it was a merlot or a shiraz by the evening’s happy end.

16 April 2009

Ireland

At 7am on 16 December 2008, after a very long and challenging climb, Jean Shannon and Louisa Hamill made it to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, the highest peak on the African continent. After six nights camping in tents on Mount Kilimanjaro, in preparation for the midnight climb to the summit, both Jean and Louisa got to see the sunrise at Stella point (5756m) before trudging the last 150m to Uruhu Peak.

Thanks to everyone who supported Jean and Louisa. These courageous ladies have raised much needed funds for Hospice Africa Uganda and increased awareness amongst their supporters of the very great need to help make a difference to the lives of the terminally ill in Uganda, and help them die with dignity.

16 December 2008

Tanzania

L-R: Louisa and Jean reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.

HAI celebrated the launch of its new website in excellent company on 26 November 2008, with the support of Irish Aid, Our Lady’s Hospice, KPMG and many kind supporters. The event took place at the Irish Aid Volunteer Centre on O’Connell Street, Dublin.

The evening was a huge milestone for all who have supported the work of Hospice Africa Uganda (HAU) and for its founder, Dr Anne Merriman, who was also present. An update was provided on Hospice Africa Ireland’s progress since the office was established in May 2008, and an excellent photo exhibition of Hospice Africa Uganda was showcased, thanks to photographer Clare Mulvany.

During the evening, it was also announced that work had commenced on the building on HAU’s new Centre of Excellent clinical building in Kampala, co-funded by Irish Aid and KPMG in Ireland.

26 November 2008

Ireland

A really fun night was enjoyed by over 300 attendees at Hospice Africa Ireland’s “Quantum of Solace” premiere on 1 November 2008. It helped that everyone looked dashing in their tuxedos and fab frocks! After a private screening of 007’s new flick, everyone enjoyed a cocktail reception in the Gresham Hotel, followed by music, lots of Bond tunes, the ubiquitous raffle and lots of dancing late into the night. An evening that ends with “Rock the Boat” is surely the sign of a good night! Sincere thanks to all who made this night happen.

1 November 2008

Ireland

Yvonne O’Caoimh held an exceptionally original and thought-provoking photographic art exhibition in Luxembourg in aid of Hospice Africa Uganda-Mbarara. Yvonne, who now lives and works in Luxembourg, has been involved with HAU for years. Along with her sister, Phil Malony from Ennis, Co. Clare, she raised substantial funds for Mbarara hospice and its children’s fund.

17 September 2008

Luxembourg