Tag Archives: Vicky Phelan

A Quin-based terminally ill cancer patient has recalled his “amazing emotional experience” after completing an unplanned climb of Croagh Patrick with former RTE journalist, Charlie Bird last Saturday. It is estimated that more than €2 million has been raised by the “Climb with Charlie” charity treks for Pieta House and Motor Neurone Ireland. John Wall decided to travel to Westport with a group of friends in a show of solidarity for cancer patients Vicky Phelan and Brian Lynch, but had no plans to climb Croagh Patrick because he felt he wouldn’t be physically able and had no prior training. However, after travelling to the base of the mountain he climbed about one third of they way up on his own and was going to turn back after two others had gone ahead on the ascent. “I decided I would get to another peak and go down again. Then I did the flat section in the middle section before arriving at …

CLIMBERS will take to the 12 O’Clocks Hills this Sunday, April 3, in solidarity with broadcaster Charlie Bird and his fundraising efforts, as he battles Motor Neurone Disease (MND). Two hikes are available from 12 noon in support of MND and also in support of Vicky Phelan and Pieta House. The routes cover 8.5km and 13km and those participating are asked to be on site by 11.45am. All donations made to the Honesty Box at the Belvoir carpark from last Monday, March 28 to Sunday next will be donated to MND and Pieta House.  Monsel Catering will be in attendance between 2 and 3pm on Sunday for those returning from their hikes. On Saturday, April 2, the former RTÉ correspondent will climb Croagh Patrick to raise funds for the two charities in question. He has asked that people who cannot join him in Mayo would climb with him “in spirit” next weekend.  The 12 O’Clock Hills project committee has also …

CONTROVERSIAL legislation which seeks to give those with a terminal illness the right to authorise voluntary, assisted dying, is being backed by a prominent Clare health campaigner. John Wall, who has a terminal cancer diagnosis, said that the Dying with Dignity Bill, which has been introduced to the Dáil by Deputy Gino Kenny, is about offering a choice so that people can die peacefully. Mr Wall has now added his voice to those including cervical screening campaigner Vicky Phelan, who are calling for a mature debate on the issue of assisted dying. “There are many people with terminal illnesses who die peacefully,” the Quin resident said. “There are others, sadly, who don’t. Some cancers ravage the body and the mind and, for a fraction of people, no amount of medication will allow them to pass with dignity. You have to ask if there is a need for someone to die in pain, or drugged to the point where they don’t …

AUTHOR, campaigner and advocate Vicky Phelan has paid tribute to a Clare man for his generosity in helping her to access her ongoing cancer treatment during the Covid-19 crisis. Pat Keogh has operated an executive chauffeur service for the last three decades and described his journey to Dublin with Vicky as one of the most rewarding experience of his career. The Newmarket-on-Fergus resident heard a radio interview in which Vicky discussed her difficulties in getting to the capital for cancer treatment and her concerns over contracting Coronavirus. The Limerick woman has been self-isolating since early March and is continuing to travel for treatment for terminal cancer. She told RTÉ’s Bryan Dobson about her how daunting that prospect was in the context of the pandemic. “I would normally have a very early start in the mornings, but since the travel restrictions I have more time for a lie-in,” Pat said. “I got to hear Morning Ireland and I was really moved …