Marty Morrissey urges Mayo to back hospice coffee morning fundraiser

RTÉ broadcaster Marty Morrissey is calling on the people of Mayo to show their support for the annual Bewley’s Big Coffee Morning for Hospice, taking place nationwide on Thursday, September 25.

Speaking as ambassador for the campaign, which has raised over €47.6 million for hospice care since 1992, the much-loved GAA commentator said he was proud to lend his voice to the fundraiser, organised by Together for Hospice.

Morrissey, who has seen first-hand the care provided to family members in their final days, described hospice staff as “angels”.

“I thought it was amazing. Anyone who has visited a loved one in a hospice will be aware of the serenity, peace and joy, the good feeling that a loved one is being really well minded,” he said.

“The work being done by nurses and care staff is truly incredible, they are a gift from God. If I was heading into my final days, I would like that for myself and for my family.

What I’m trying to do as ambassador, in a very small way, is to support the people who do it, and I am urging everyone in Mayo to go to hospicecoffeemorning.ie and get involved.”

Morrissey also reflected on his own sense of mortality. “My lust for life is as strong today as it was when I was 22 or 23. But as you get older, you’re far more conscious of getting blood tests done, dreading the results but hoping everything is fine. It is the circle of life. I’m in no rush to get to the other side.”

Martina Jennings, CEO of Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation, said the coffee morning is “one of our longest and most-loved fundraisers,” now in its 33rd year.

“This support is invaluable and funds vital services and quality initiatives, greatly improving care for patients with life-limiting illness,” she said.

Cól Campbell of Bewley’s Ireland added: “Bewley’s, an iconic Irish brand, was founded on the strong principle of caring for people and communities, which ties in perfectly with the ethos of Together For Hospice.”

People across Mayo are encouraged to host or attend a coffee morning on September 25, or on a date that suits them.

To register, visit hospicecoffeemorning.ie or call 0818 995 996.

Donations can also be made online at hospicecoffeemorning.ie/donate.