Tipperary volunteers driver initiative applauded

A coffee morning in aid of the South Tipperary Hospice Movement was held at the Circle of Friends Cancer Support Centre in Tipp Town on Friday, September 8.

In glorious sunshine, this was yet another successful event, highlighting the importance of community and of coming together in a spirit of friendship and of support for one another. The Centre and its gardens looked resplendent in the warm sunshine and there was a real sense of being 'home from home' as people enjoyed some refreshments and some lovely home baking.

The event was held to offer support to the South Tipperary Hospice Movement and this was outlined by the Circle of Friends Manager, Kay Hogan, when she spoke during the event.
“I just want to say a few words of appreciation to the South Tipp Hospice Movement today. A problem was highlighted recently about transporting patients for radiotherapy treatment. The Irish Cancer Society pays for transport for patients going for chemotherapy but not for radiotherapy and we were finding it very difficult to find drivers willing to take patients for radiotherapy treatment. The South Tipp Hospice Movement came to our assistance and they started a service of volunteer drivers and you really don't know how much this means to us. You can appreciate someone going for radiotherapy treatment,

Monday to Friday, and maybe for several weeks, the importance of the service that you are providing. It is such an important service and we truly appreciate the help. It is nice to have a bond forged with you in the Hospice Movement and we are really grateful for your support,” concluded Kay.

In response Sinaida Jansen, who is Manager of the South Tipperary Hospice Movement, offered a few thoughts on developments of the service in South Tipperary.
“All we want is the best for those who are suffering from cancer. We want them to get the best possible care and Circle of Friends have been very kind in offering their premises to us as required. South Tipperary Hospice is a well recognised brand and people trust us. We have the voluntary driving scheme, provision of palliative care beds, and we are linked with the nursing services. A lot of services are coming on board and further services are going to be added so the Hospice Movement is still going strong in South Tipperary and we are very thankful for the public support,” said Sinaida.
Board Member of the Hospice Movement, John O’Heney, expressed his thanks for the support of Circle of Friends.

“I have been involved for six or seven years with the South Tipperary Hospice Movement, and I got involved, like so many others, through a family connection that suffered from cancer. I thoroughly enjoy helping out as a voluntary director and I am really enjoying seeing the new link and bond between Circle of Friends and the Hospice. As Sinaida said, we are all looking for the best for the patients in the area and anything that we can do and collaborate together can only be a good thing. We are really grateful for all the support this morning and for the support from Circle of Friends,” said John.
In conclusion Liam Bergin, Member of the Circle of Friends Board of Management, commented on the value of partnership.

"We can really see the value of a partnership between Circle of Friends and ourselves. It can only be good for everybody and it is very important that we support each other. There is a lot of need for our services and I think the new development of the volunteer drivers is a major development for this locality. We never know the day or the hour when someone will require this service to get them to one of the centres of excellence for cancer care, so anything that drives that forward can only be a plus for this locality" concluded Liam. The Circle of Friends Centre is open daily and provides a range of services for anyone, (or a family member) that is affected by cancer. It is a very important service in the community and is a very welcoming place to visit.