Limerick cancer survivor continues 10-year tradition in honor of late friend

A RESILIENT cancer survivor from Meanus, is gearing up for the tenth annual Bewley's Big Coffee Morning Social for Hospice, a tradition she began with her late friend.

Ursula McKeogh and the late Rita Cotter initiated the annual event, which now in its tenth year, has grown significantly over the years, raising over €26,000 for the Milford Care Centre to date.

Ursula, now 54 years old, received the devastating diagnosis of advanced poorly differentiated carcinoma when she was seven months pregnant with her only child, Molly, back in 2002. She battled her illness while eagerly awaiting the birth of her child, and following Molly's birth, underwent seven months of chemotherapy and 35 sessions of intense radium treatment, all while caring for her newborn.

Despite the immense challenges, Ursula's determination prevailed, and she has been cancer-free for an astounding 21 years.

Tragically, three years ago, Rita lost her battle to a brain tumor. However, Ursula is committed to honouring her friend's memory and now continues the coffee morning tradition they started together. Rita had a deep connection to Milford Care Centre, and its palliative care team had played a crucial role in her final days.

The Bewley's Big Coffee Morning Social for Hospice is a nationwide fundraiser supported by Bewley's since 1992, and it has raised an impressive €43.2 million. This year, Ursula and her dedicated team of family and friends aim to contribute to the €2 million fundraising target.

Ursula's coffee morning will take place in the local community center in Meanus on September 15 from 9:30am to 1pm. For early commuters, a takeaway service will be available at Dempsey's Bar from 7:30am.

Ursula spoke about the evolution of the event, saying: "At the start, it was a case of blink and you'll miss it, but the event has just grown and grown over the years, and we arrange it as a tea party with tablecloths and flowers and bite-sized treats."

This event holds deep sentimental value for Ursula, as she shared, "My mother Mary Lillis was involved in fundraising at the hospice before she died 33 years ago in the care of the very place she loved to help."

The Bewley's Big Coffee Morning Social for Hospice is part of the "Together for Hospice," the National Hospice Movement, which represents 26 hospice and specialist palliative home care providers supporting patients and their families. Funds raised locally go back into each hospice to innovate, build new facilities, develop new services, and deliver quality improvements and extra benefits for patients and their families.

Those interested in contributing to this noble cause can register to host a coffee morning on September 21 or a date that suits them at hospicecoffeemorning.ie or call 0818 995 996. If hosting or attending a coffee morning is not possible, donations can be made at hospicecoffeemorning.ie/donate.