St Vincent's thanks Josie's friends

The recent sponsored walk and street collection organised by Josie Connolly in aid of St Vincent's Hospital Alzheimer Service raised almost €4,500, writes Helen Dreelan, Director of Nursing at St Vincent's.

This is a great achievement in the current economic climate and on behalf of Josie's organising committee and the staff and patients at St Vincent's Hospital I want to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who made it such a great success.

We enjoyed our leisurely walk from Mile Mill to Kilcullen and the refreshments in O'Connell's Bar afterwards. There are so many people who helped make it possible, starting with the customers at Markey's Stray Inn (pictured above) who gave us a great send off. Also Gda John Kennedy for arranging the permit, Noel Clare for sponsoring the printing of the sponsorship cards, Kilcullen Lions Club for a very generous donation, and the lady herself, Josie Connolly, whose powers of persuasion know no bounds!

The money will be used well and wisely to provide treats and comforts for the patients and residents. We have used some of the money to purchase a large-screen TV for one of the bedrooms shared by five female patients. They are delighted, and it is wonderful to be able to provide something that has really brightened up their lives.