NEW: Tipperary gardener raises €5,500 for rare blood cancer research

Tipperary woman Máire Wixted recently presented the Mercy Hospital Foundation in Cork with a cheque for €5,500, in support of vital research into myelofibrosis, a rare and aggressive blood cancer.

Máire raised the funds by opening her two-acre Garville Gardens in Upper Church, near Thurles, to the public last summer.

The fundraiser was organised in memory of her late husband, Sean, who sadly passed away from myelofibrosis in 2004.

The donation will go directly to support the MOSAICC Cancer Trials, a pioneering research initiative led by Dr Clodagh Keohane at Mercy University Hospital.

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Cork has been contributing to this international study for the past two years, and it seeks to identify the causes of rare blood cancers and assess the quality of life and care needs of those affected.

This is not the first time Máire has championed this cause; a previous donation in 2022 allowed researchers to include an additional ten patients in the study.

The recruitment to this study is near completion with pivotal results expected at the end of this year.

The Open Garden event last June drew large crowds who were treated to a vibrant display of flowers, trees, and perennials across the tiered gardens. Visitors also enjoyed a tour of Máire’s working vegetable garden.

Throughout the summer, Máire welcomed numerous other guests who contributed to the fundraising efforts.

Reflecting on her motivation, at the cheque presentation, Máire said: "Together, Seán and I had great plans to develop our garden, and it has been a privilege to fulfil our shared dream in his memory".

"The fundraising efforts would not be possible without the support of our generous raffle sponsors. Thanks must also go to Thurles and District Flower and Garden Club, and Nenagh Flower Club for their continuous support.

Garville Gardens will once again open to the public this summer, on Sunday, June 22nd from 2-5pm, inviting guests to experience its floral beauty while supporting a worthy cause.

Entry is by donation, and all proceeds will again benefit research into myelofibrosis.

The event will include a raffle and light refreshments.

Garville Gardens can be found at Ballyboy, Upper Church, Thurles, Co. Tipperary, E41 EN84.

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