Josie's efforts raise €5,200 for St Vincents

Another generous responseThe recent street collection and sponsored walk organised by Josie Connolly for St Vincents in Athy raised just short of €5,200, writes Brian Byrne.

The money will be used to help furnish a new 10-bed unit in the hospital dedicated for patients with dementia, construction of which is starting shortly.

"Josie does heroic work for us," says Director of Nursing at St Vincents, Helen Dreelan. "In the current climate, that is a fantastic amount, and we're very grateful to all who helped, donatated and walked."

It is hoped the new unit will be completed in time for the residents to be relocated there before Christmas.

Pictured above is a resident working in a polytunnel, the construction of which was provided with the help of funds raised in the past by Josie and her friends. "This is an activity that promotes a real sense of purpose and enjoyment for them and without the support and contributions made by Josie and her helpers we would be unable to finance projects like this," says Siobhan Minchen, TRAD Coordinator at St Vincents.