Over €22k raised for Limerick's 'great bastion of humanity' in honour of Dave Fitzpatrick

THE SAD passing of Dave Fitzpatrick, of The Four Elms, Drombanna, last September sparked a heartwarming response from  the local business and sporting community in  Limerick and far beyond. 

Dave, aged 53, had bravely fought cancer for over a year. He passed away in the loving care of the wonderful staff of Milford Care centre just nine days after he renewed his wedding vows with his beloved wife Aideen in the presence of their family and close friends in Milford’s chapel.

Despite the deep sadness in the wake of Dave's death, his brave wife Aideen decided to row in behind  nationwide fundraiser, Bewley’s Big Coffee Morning Social for Hospice in her shop at Elm Court Service Station, Ballyneety.

This was very well supported, with many just going in to the shop to make a donation. As news of this fundraiser in Dave's honour  spread and with many other relatives and friends also wishing to donate, a GoFundMe page was set up. The  €500 target was surpassed in the blink of an eye and 275 online donations later, a grand total of €12,610 was raised.

But it didn’t stop at  that fantastic amount. Lorna Casey, a long-time friend of Aideen and Dave's, set up her own Donate to Pink online fundraiser in memory of Dave, resulting in 38 further donations amounting to €1,655.

Then, Esther Godfrey, of the Color Couture Hair Salon in Ballyneety, organised a hugely successful shave and dye fundraising event in The Four Elms. Locals had their heads shaved or hair dyed, with some brave men even having their legs and chest waxed at the event which was MC-ed by Fiona Hayes of FH Style.

A further €7,735 was raised, which brought the grand total to €22,039.18 for Milford in memory of Dave. Aideen and her family wished to thank everyone from the bottom of their hearts, who coordinated and supported the many fundraisers organised in Dave's honour.

Aideen and her family would like to thank everyone from the bottom of their hearts, who coordinated and supported the many fundraisers organised in Dave's honour.

"A special word of thanks to Esther Godfrey and her staff, Sarah Ryan, MC Fiona Hayes and all those who donated spot prizes for the shave and dye event. Everyone who donated in Dave's memory should also be very proud of the fact that they gave money to a most worthy cause, that has touched the hearts of people all over Limerick," said Aideen.

She said each and every one of us has been affected in some way by cancer, either directly or indirectly.

"The people of the Mid-West region are so privileged to have such a venerable institution as Milford Care Centre here in Limerick and their contribution to our community is incalculable.

"Therefore, we must commend the likes of the McManus family and also the public in general for their unwavering support for that great bastion of humanity," said Aideen.