LONDON LADY Catherine had been planning to move back to the West of Ireland to enjoy a slower pace of life, when she found herself grappling with a cancer diagnosis. It was the persuasion of her son that brought her to the door of Gort Cancer Support. Despite some initial hesitancy, Catherine crossed the threshold of Hollyblue House to discover services that have proven to be hugely beneficial to her. “I don’t know what to call them angels or saints,” she told The Champion. “When you come here you never talk about cancer and there’s a beautiful, peaceful vibe. You definitely feel better after a visit.” With welcome signs in English and Portuguese, Gort Cancer Support is a truly inclusive place. All kinds of services are available from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), prosthesis fittings, and reflexology to play therapy. Practical services are offered by a fleet of volunteer drivers who take people to appointments. The service is coordinated from this …
Read More »Gort Cancer Service Thanksgiving and Portrait Event
ANNUAL thanksgiving mass takes place at Gort Cancer Service, Hollyblue House, Gort Cancer Support on Friday (June 23) at 7.30pm. The mass, which will be celebrated by Fr Tommy Marrinan, is open to all. Music and refreshments will follow. Separately, the centre has described itself as honoured and privileged to host the Vicky Phelan Portrait in Gort in conjunction with the Lady Gregory Hotel. A panel discussion, featuring Quin’s John Wall, a close friend of Vicky’s, will take place on Friday, September 22, at 7pm. Clare McKenna, of Newstalk, will be the MC and panel discussion moderator for the evening. A statement from the centre described Vicky as “a hugely inspirational figure “. Portrait owner, David Brennan, is keeping her legacy alive by sharing her story and reminding younger generations of the importance of cervical cancer awareness.
Read More »Gort Cancer Support opens Pop Shop
GORT Cancer Support has announced the return of its Christmas Pop Up Shop which opens today, Thursday December 1, at 6pm, at their premises in Hollyblue House, Garrabeg, Gort (H91 WFP8). The event promises visitors a fabulous array of Christmas decorations, candles, gifts, jewellery, games and much more. It is shaping up to be a great night with the Tierneevin Choir attending to get everybody in the Christmas spirit. Donations of unused, unwanted gifts always gratefully accepted at any time.
Read More »Gort Cancer support celebrates 15 years by opening extension
GORT Cancer Support is about to mark a decade and a half assisting those living with the disease. This Friday, the organisation will celebrate 15 years supporting those affected by a cancer diagnosis in the South Galway and North Clare communities. Gort Cancer Support will also host an official opening for its newly extended premises at Hollyblue House, Garrabeg, at 7pm. Gort Cancer Support first opened its doors in June 2007 and moved to their permanent address in Garrabeg in 2012. The newly extended premises was completed in 2020, but was not officially opened until now due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The official opening will be followed by a Thanksgiving Mass at 7.30pm and an evening of music, dance and refreshments. Gort Cancer Support extended its thanks to Galway Rural Development for contributing to the sponsorship of the event. All are welcome on the evening. Gort Cancer Support offers a confidential community based support service to anyone affected by a cancer diagnosis in the South Galway/North …
Read More »Gort Cancer Support to host wellness evening
GORT Cancer Support in Hollyblue House, Garrabeg, Gort, will host a “wellness evening” with guest speakers on Wednesday next, May 18. “Many of us are struggling to stay positive, at home and in work, due to the sheer multitude and scale of some of the challenges we are facing,” a spokesperson for the service said. “None more so than people affected by a cancer diagnosis. You do not have to suffer in silence though. You are not alone and there are plenty of practical everyday steps you can take to alleviate any stress or anxiety you may be experiencing. “With just the right blend of knowledge, insight and instruction, there is a whole host of positive actions you can take to improve your outlook and mood.” The wellness evening is open to everyone and offers an opportunity to call in and listen to any or all of the speakers. Expert advice will be available from Marie Skelly, of Alternative Healthiness …
Read More »Get out in your garden for Gort Cancer Support
WITH more and more people experiencing the great outdoors Gort Cancer Support have come up with a novel fundraising idea which is sure to grow in popularity. The community based support service is asking people to host a garden party in aid of their ongoing work. “Just pick a time and date between now and the end of August, invite family, friends or neighbours and ask them to donate to our support centre in return for your hospitality. Sweet or savoury, coffee or cocktails, dress up or dress down – the choices are endless,” said a spokesperson. You can register your intention to host a party by emailing info@gortcancersupport.ie or via WhatsApp to 086 1724500. All those who register before Monday, June 7 will be in with a chance to win a prize. “Let’s enjoy being able to meet up outdoors again with the benefit of helping raise much needed funds for friends and neighbours in South Galway/North Clare affected by a …
Read More »Sadie’s lifetime of charity work in Gort
YEARS of active involvement in the Gort community means Sadie McInerney is not quite ready to give up her work in raising money for charitable causes. The 83-year-old Loughrea native, who has lived in Gort since 1957, is now collecting glasses for use in developing countries. The spectacles are sent to England for upgrading, before being dispatched to their final destination. Ms McInerney is appealing to anyone who has good quality glasses they no longer need, to send them to McInerney Auctioneers on Church Street in the town. Sadie’s life-long work in the local community was rewarded recently when she was one of 16 people shortlisted in Galway County Council’s Cathoirleach Community Award for Volunteer of the Year. With a bus full of local supporters cheering her on, Sadie said she thoroughly enjoyed the function. The citation for her nomination stated: “Sadie McInerney’s lifetime of service to the community has made Gort and its surrounding area a better place to …
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