Health & Wellbeing Shortlist 2024

Mary Nolan has been involved with Gort Cancer Support Group since its founding in 2007. Her commitment over the years has not only provided stability but also fostered a sense of community and support for those affected by cancer. For over seven years, she managed the centre full time, ensuring that it operated smoothly and efficiently. Her leadership involved coordinating with staff and volunteers, overseeing daily operations and implementing programs that directly benefit the centre’s clients. Since the appointment of a full time paid manager in March 2023, Mary continues to be heavily involved in the centre, providing her expertise on a daily basis given how busy the charity has become.  In 2019, Mary also helped oversee the purchase of the adjoining semi-detached property, thereby doubling the size of the support centre and helping meet the increasing demand for services. Her long-term involvement means she has been a consistent and reassuring figure for those navigating the challenges of cancer. 

“Mary has channeled her empathy and experience into providing compassionate care and assistance to individuals and families navigating the complexities of a cancer diagnosis. Her commitment to this cause is a testament to her resilience and unwavering desire to make a positive difference in the lives of those affected by cancer” writes her nominator.  

Billy O Rourke organises music and entertainment events to raise money for mental health charities like Suicide or Survive. These events lift people’s spirits, encourage community, fun, and remind people that there are options for seeking help when you are struggling. Billy has lost people close to him to suicide and wanted to use his grief to support people with depression and other mental illnesses. He has raised close to €25,000 at this point.  

 In October he organised a show called ‘Elvis Through the Years’ in Artane for 300 people to raise €5000. You can join him at his next event in March called ‘One Night In Vegas’! 

“Billy has done all this work on his and has never looked for anything in return” writes his nominator.  

“When Anne became a volunteer in February 2018, it was Milford Care Centre’s lucky day!” writes Anne Williams’ nominator. After she returned to her native Limerick, Anne decided she wanted to get involved with the hospice movement to support other families that were going through what her family had experienced.

Anne’s easy compassion and flexibility saw her take on several roles volunteering at Milford, from the reception during COVID to offering companionship and refreshments in the in-patient unit. She is easily able to chat and provide company to both hospice patients and to the service users in Milford’s Day Care Lounge for Older Adults.

Anne can be found bringing her calming presence to administrative tasks in the fundraising department or covering emergency additional volunteering shifts at the hospice. She is quick to befriend patients and families at Milford and able to be a comfort to them during a challenging time.

“The thing that makes Anne stand out is her compassion, discretion, and intuition. It’s as if she can walk in the shoes of whoever she encounters but is able to manage her own self-care and knows that she is only journeying a small way with whoever she is helping, and this allows her give 100% of herself” writes her nominator.