A-list actor Brendan Gleeson has called on coffee-lovers in South Westmeath to come together in a bid to raise €1.5million for ‘life-affirming’ palliative care services across Ireland.
The Hollywood star launched Bewley’s Big Coffee Morning Social for Hospice on Saturday, which has raised more than 41.5 million euros since its inception and celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.
He joined Hospice hosts and volunteers at Bewley’s iconic cafe on Grafton Street, urging hosts to get creative with their morning coffee and host an event on Thursday, September 22.
“While your disease has defined you as a patient, palliative care goes beyond your disease and sees you as a whole person – with wishes, goals, hobbies and interests,” said said the legendary actor, whose late parents were being treated at St Francis. Dublin Hospice.
Gleeson, 67, whose latest film, The Banshees of Inisherin, is due out in October, insisted that patients are “cared for so well, allowing them to live as full and independent lives as possible, for as long as possible. It takes great courage for patients and families to access palliative care services to ensure that the needs of their loved ones are met at this important time in their lives. In my experience, palliative care values and enriches life.
“This year we really want to see the people of South Westmeath get creative with their events and coffee creations and take time with loved ones to help make this the best year yet.”
Together for Hospice, the National Hospice Movement represents 26 specialist hospice and palliative home care providers who support patients and their families across the country.
Funds raised locally stay local and flow back into each local hospice service, helping to pay for medical and general staff, hospice beds, home care visits, specialized equipment and new hospice construction.
South Westmeath communities are invited to simply gather a group on Thursday 22nd September and make coffee your way, to help raise much needed funds to support the work of South Westmeath Hospice.
Joe Whelan, Secretary, South Westmeath Hospice, said: “We are delighted that Bewley’s Big Coffee Morning Social for Hospice is back for another year raising funds for Hospice hospital and community services in Ireland.
The continued support of this campaign over the past 30 years is a testament to the generosity of our hosts, donors, ambassadors and our longtime sponsor Bewley’s.
“The funds raised each year by the Irish public allow us to continue to provide vital support to patients and their families every day.”
Jason Doyle, managing director of Bewley’s Ireland & UK, called the 30-year partnership with Hospice “very special”. “After a tough few years for fundraising, we hope people across Ireland will dig deep and make this a pivotal year for Bewley’s Big Coffee Morning Social for Hospice,” he said.
“At the heart of our business is a commitment to caring for people and communities, so we urge everyone to host a coffee morning to help support the incredible work Hospice does every day.”
*Register to host a Coffee Morning on Thursday 22nd September, or a date that suits you, at: www.hospicecoffeemorning.ie or Callsave 0818 995 996. Hosts receive a free Coffee Morning pack containing Bewley coffee, posters and invitations.
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