Your Summer 2025 ‘Heart of the Mater’ newsletter is here!

31 Milers go above and beyond for patients with dementia

Our 31 Miles in May participants got out in the glorious sunshine last month and walked, jogged and ran through the month to raise vital funds to support patients with dementia in the Mater Hospital.

Now in its second year, 31 Miles in a Month saw hundreds of people sign up to take on the challenge. For many, their lives have been touched directly by the dementia diagnosis of a loved one, and for others, they wanted to challenge themselves all while doing something special for a really important cause.

We were simply blown away by their enthusiasm, their compassion for others and their amazing fundraising, with over €80,000 and counting raised to date.

On behalf of the Mater Hospital Foundation Team, we would like to say a truly heartfelt thank you to each and every participant who laced up their runners and took on the challenge and to everyone who sponsored their efforts.

With the support of our 31 Milers, we can continue to invest in equipment and supports that improve the lives of those with dementia being cared for in the Mater Hospital. Through the kindness of our supporters in recent years, we have been able to upgrade St. Anne’s Dementia Friendly Ward, create a beautiful home-from-home sitting room and fund RITA – innovative technology that helps patients with dementia to remember and reminisce.

From scrubs to starlets: Mater teams get behind Marilyn’s Mater Paddle!

Mater Hospital teams are going glam for a great cause and have already raised an impressive €6,500 in support of women’s cancer careTeams from Breast Health, St. Vincent’s Cancer Ward, Oncology Haematology Unit and Gynaecological Oncology get into the Marilyn spiritThere is still time to join in the fun and get your ticket for Marilyn’s Mater Paddle, taking place on Sunday, 25th May in Donabate, Co. DublinVisit www.materfoundation.ie/marilyn to buy your ticket, or come along, sign up on the day and kick off the summer in style  Monday, 19th May 2025:

“Blonde wigs and swing dresses are definitely NOT our usual work uniform but we’re more than happy to get into the spirit of Marilyn for this important cause.” – Sarah Jane Moore, Clinical Nurse Manager, Breast Health Unit

Mater Hospital nurses and staff members are set to step out in style in Donabate this Sunday, 25th May for Marilyn’s Mater Paddle, supporting women’s cancer care in the Mater Hospital.

Twenty-seven women and men from St. Vincent’s Ward, Oncology Haematology Unit, Breast Health and Gynaecological Oncology will don the famous platinum hair, red lipstick and take a sea dip with over 150 fellow Marilyns, all for a great cause, and have raised an impressive €6,500 to date.

Explaining the inspiration for taking part, Sarah Jane Moore, Clinical Nurse Specialist in Breast Care the Mater’s Breast Health Unit says, “In Breast Health, we’re so passionate about delivering excellent world-class, individualised patient-centred care. When we heard that Marilyn’s Mater Paddle was raising funds to support women’s cancer care, we knew it was one we wanted to get behind. Every day in our work we are privileged to see the strength and courage of those facing cancer, and taking part in the paddle is a great opportunity to do something fun and very different to raise funds for women’s cancer care.”

On the funds already raised by the teams across the Mater, Sarah Jane says, “It’s brilliant to see so many staff members taking part in support. I’m so proud to see how much has been raised to date by the teams in Breast Health, St. Vincent’s Ward, Haematology Oncology Unit and Gynaecology Oncology. Blonde wigs and swing dresses are definitely not our usual work uniform but we’re more than happy to get into the spirit of Marilyn for this important cause.”

With less than a week to go to the event, there is still time to get your ticket and join the Mater Hospital Foundation on Sunday, 25th May for the second-annual event that promises to kick off the summer season in style.

Take to the red carpet at the Shoreline Hotel, Donabate, Co. Dublin before sashaying over to Balcarrick Beach for a sea dip with simply oceans of style, darling. Marilyn’s Mater Paddle brings together a galaxy of starlets dressed as Hollywood’s most iconic actress, with proceeds from ticket sales and fundraising going to support women’s cancer care in the Mater Public Hospital.

The event is open to adults of all ages with each gal or guy who signs up receiving their very own Paddle Pack, starring a blonde bombshell wig, retro red heart-shaped glasses and a beach-ball. All you need to do is wear your brightest red lipstick and a 1950s swimsuit or swing dress to perfect the look.

Whether you choose to dip your toes in the sea or simply enjoy the event on the beach, Marilyn’s Mater Paddle promises to be a memorable celebration of glitz, glamour and good times. Will you ‘boop boop be do’ it for women’s cancer care?

After all Marilyns emerge from their sea dip, they will make their way back to the Shoreline Hotel for a chic ‘Marilyn Mixer’ party, with refreshments and swinging tunes.
The funds raised from Marilyn’s Mater Paddle will go to support women’s cancer care in the Mater Public Hospital. Our supporters’ generosity and kindness has already helped fund projects such as psycho-oncology patient supports, a new mammogram machine, cancer research and chemotherapy supports, to name but a few.

Funds raised at this this unique event will ensure that the Mater Hospital Foundation can continue to support the hospital’s vital work where it is needed most for women on their cancer journey.

This event is open to adults of all ages….everyone has an inner Marilyn waiting to shine! To register, simply click here and buy your ticket or come along at 9.30am on Sunday, 25th May to sign up on the day and be part of the event of the season!

An historic gift with heart: Eric and Barbara Kinsella donate €2m to Mater Hospital’s Coronary Care Unit Expansion

Businessman and philanthropist Eric Kinsella and his wife Barbara have pledged a life-changing €2 million gift to the Mater Hospital Foundation to enhance and expand the Mater Public Hospital’s Coronary Care Unit (CCU).

Mr Kinsella is founder of Esprit Investments, one of Ireland’s most active private investment and development companies.

The development of the Mater’s existing CCU, which is currently a 12-bed unit, will increase capacity, provide expert cardiac care, minimise infection control risks, and offer spacious, modern rooms for patients and their families.

As part of this commitment to enhancing cardiac care, the Coronary Care Unit will include the prestigious Kinsella Cardiology Recovery Suite, designed to set a new standard for patient recovery at the Mater.

This state-of-the-art facility will feature a five-bedded recovery unit and a thoughtfully-designed Family Room, ensuring comfort and care for both patients and their loved ones. A dedicated link corridor will seamlessly connect the CATH Labs to the recovery suite, revolutionising the patient journey. Remarkably, this marks a historic first for the Mater — establishing a specialised recovery area exclusively for cardiology patients.

The additional capacity, alongside the quality improvements of isolation rooms and a designated private family space, will move the whole continuum of care – particularly for emergency cardiac care – into a whole new realm.
For Eric and Barbara Kinsella, this gift was encouraged by their own connection to the Mater and a profound appreciation for the hospital’s life-saving work.

“Barbara and I feel privileged to give back to the Mater Hospital, a place that holds deep personal significance for us. Having experienced first-hand the exceptional care provided by Prof. Jim O’Neill and his team, we hope this gift will improve patient outcomes and support the dedicated medical teams who work tirelessly to save lives every day,” said Mr. Kinsella.

Mary Moorhead, Chief Executive of the Mater Hospital Foundation, expressed her heartfelt gratitude, saying, “Philanthropy has the power to drive real change in healthcare, and we are deeply grateful to Eric and Barbara Kinsella for their extraordinary generosity. Their transformational gift marks the largest single contribution the Foundation has ever received in its history. It will significantly enhance patient care and recovery, support our dedicated cardiac teams, and leave a lasting legacy of hope and healing for generations to come.”

This ambitious project, made possible through HSE funding and Eric and Barbara Kinsella’s generous philanthropic support, signifies a major step forward in ensuring continued access to world-class cardiology care for all Mater heart patients who need it. It is expected this new Unit will be open toward the end of 2026.

Malayalee Indians (MIND) Ireland supports Mater Patients

This spring MIND Ireland is inviting their community to take part in their ‘MIND Your Health Challenge 2025’, aimed at promoting wellness while supporting patients in the Mater Public Hospital.

Malayalee Indians (MIND) Ireland is a voluntary community organisation established in February 2008 with a view to provide a platform for Malayalee Indians in Dublin and around to promote the rich culture, heritage and tradition of Malayalees (natives of Kerala, South India).

To foster community spirit MIND organises various activities throughout the year, including cricket tournament, badminton tournament, family tour, family day, kids competitions and much more besides.

Participants are being encouraged to walk, jog or run 100 miles over the course of the month and raise vital funds in the process.

Their wonderful fundraising activities include:

• April 26th          Football Tournament
• April / May       100 Mile Challenge
• May 31st            Mind Mega Mela – 2025
• June 28th           Cricket Tournament

Mater Hospital Foundation Community Events Specialist Angi McNulty says, “Our sincere thanks to the amazing MIND Ireland community for coming together to make a difference for those who need it most in our hospital. We are honoured to have been selected as MIND’s charity partner for 2025.”

You can learn more about MIND Ireland’s ‘MIND Your Health Challenge’ and donate to support their fundraising by clicking here. 

BIGGER! BOLDER! BLONDER! Marilyn’s Mater Paddle is back this May in Donabate, Co. Dublin

Bigger, bolder…BLONDER! Marilyn’s Mater Paddle is making a dazzling comeback this summer and hitting the beach at Donabate, Co. Dublin! Join the Mater Hospital Foundation on Sunday, 25^th May for the second-annual event that promises to kick off the summer season in style.

Take to the red carpet at our new location of the Shoreline Hotel before sashaying over to Balcarrick Beach for a sea dip with simply oceans of style, darling. Marilyn’s Mater Paddle brings together a galaxy of starlets dressed as Hollywood’s most iconic actress, with proceeds from ticket sales and fundraising going to support women’s cancer care in the Mater Public Hospital.

The event is open to adults of all ages with each gal or guy who signs up receiving their very own Paddle Pack, starring a blonde bombshell wig, retro red heart-shaped glasses and a beach-ball. All you need to do is wear your brightest red lipstick and a 1950s swimsuit or swing dress to perfect the look.

Whether you choose to dip your toes in the sea or simply enjoy the event on the beach, Marilyn’s Mater Paddle promises to be a memorable celebration of glitz, glamour and good times. Will you ‘boop boop be do’ it for women’s cancer care?

After our Marilyns emerge from their sea dip, they will make their way back to the Shoreline Hotel for a chic ‘Marilyn Mixer’ party, with refreshments and swinging tunes.

The funds raised from Marilyn’s Mater Paddle will go to support women’s cancer care in the Mater Public Hospital.Our supporters’ generosity and kindness has already helped fund projects such as psycho-oncology patient supports, a new mammogram machine, cancer research and chemotherapy supports, to name but a few.

Funds raised at this this unique event will ensure that the Mater Hospital Foundation can continue to support the hospital’s vital work where it is needed most to support women on their cancer journey.

Marilyn’s Mater Paddle supporter and Mater patient Mary Golden says, “This is a cause massively close to my heart. This charity hugely improves the quality of care and comfort for patients like me every day. I would absolutely love for everyone who can to come and join it. I promise you’ll have a great time, all the Marilyns had the best time last year.”

Launching the second-annual Marilyn’s Mater Paddle, Roisin Duffy, Director of Development at the Mater Hospital Foundation says, “Our inaugural Marilyn’s Mater Paddle last year was the most glamorous, fun and exciting event on our calendar, and we are thrilled to be hosting it again this year on Sunday, 25^th May in Donabate.”

She adds, “The event promises to be a fabulous day of glamour and glitz, while also being a really impactful fundraiser to support women being treated for cancer in the Mater Hospital. Get your friends or colleagues together and dress up for a great cause!”

This event is open to adults of all ages and genders. Everyone has an inner Marilyn waiting to shine! To register, simply visit www.materfoundation.ie/marilyn and buy your ticket to the event of the season today!

Your Winter 2025 ‘Heart of the Mater’ newsletter is here!

Send a Cards That Matter e-card or e-gift and make someone’s Christmas sparkle!

Sprinkle a little magic this festive season and make someone smile by sending a Card That Matters and help change patients lives in the Mater Hospital.

Visit our Cards That Matter Shop to browse our selection and pick your perfect card.

Sending an e-card couldn’t be simpler!

1. Choose your e-card and your donation amount

2. Personalise your card with your special greeting

3. Schedule or send your card right away and share the love

Your e-card can change lives

Whether you need a last-minute gift or just want to let someone know you’re thinking about them, by sending a Card That Matters, you’re doing something doubly special! Every card sent will raise vital funds to support patients in the Mater Public Hospital where it is needed most.

Select the perfect e-card here: www.materfoundation.ie/cardsthatmatter

This festive season we’re inviting individuals and businesses to light a virtual star over the Mater Hospital and bring hope to patients’ hearts.

As we get ready to gather in our homes and with loved ones this Christmas, let’s remember that this season is also about giving back and sharing our blessings. Join us in spreading the magic of Christmas to those in our hospital – whilst also letting your loved ones know what you mean to them – by lighting a Words of Light Christmas Star over our virtual Mater Hospital!

Leave a special note with your star for your loved ones, or a message of support and light for those spending Christmas in hospital this year. Once created, you can share your star highlighting your proud support of the hospital with your friends, family and colleagues.

Every contribution, no matter how big or small, can light up someone’s holiday and bring hope to their hearts.

Light up here – https://www.materfoundation.ie/wordsoflight

Nova’s PJ and Jim call on Ireland’s men to take on The Dickie Dip!

Attention all men! The Mater Hospital Foundation has teamed up with Radio Nova’s Morning Glory presenters PJ Gallagher and Jim McCabe to encourage men from all across Ireland to take part in The Dickie Dip; the annual, all-male, life-affirming skinny dip fundraiser, taking place in Skerries, Co. Dublin on Saturday, 16th November. Will you be as brave as PJ and Jim, leave your swimming trunks behind, strip off and take a dip in the sea in nothing but a dickie bow this November, all to support men’s cancer care in the Mater Hospital?

Be daring, be determined…be a Dickie Dipper for men’s cancer care and join PJ, Jim and hundreds of brave men baring it all and wading into the sea to help make a life-saving difference for men’s cancer patients in the Mater Hospital. Since the inaugural event in 2019, The Dickie Dip participants have stood in solidarity with their fellow men and raised a phenomenal €414,000 to provide essential supports and services for patients who need it most in the hospital.

This year, the Mater Hospital Foundation hopes to raise an ambitious €120,000 for men’s cancer care in the Mater, with the help of hundreds of brave dippers making a real splash in Skerries on Saturday, 16th November.

It couldn’t be easier to take part. Simply click here and fill out the short registration form. Every dipper who signs up will receive a free dickie bow and a personalised Eventmaster fundraising page, which they can share with family, friends, colleagues and neighbours. Participants will also be invited to join the Dickie Dip Facebook Group, where you can meet with fellow Dickie Dip participants and learn more about this exhilarating and impactful event.

Commenting on his support of the 2024 Dickie Dip, Radio Nova’s PJ Gallagher says, “Everyone knows I love getting up for the craic at the crack of dawn with Jim, so getting up for hundreds of dawning cracks will be an unreal experience for a brilliant cause! It doesn’t matter who you are or what shape you’re in, just wear a Dicke Bow and come and join us for the fun.”

PJ’s Morning Glory co-host Jim McCabe says, “I would have said there’s never a good reason for a middle-aged man to walk into the sea in the nip, turns out I was wrong! Cancer Care at the Mater Hospital is a great reason. So, assuming there’s nothing in the sea to nip me while I’m in the nip, I’m happy to help with PJ and it’s great that there is no need for us to worry about a dress code for the day.”

Speaking about The Dickie Dip 2024, Mary Moorhead, Chief Executive of the Mater Hospital Foundation says, “The Dickie Dip is back for 2024 and we are delighted to see our community of dippers continue to grow! We are thrilled to have the support of PJ and Jim for this year’s event and hope that their involvement will inspire and encourage brave men from all over Ireland to come along and get involved in Skerries on Saturday, 16th November. The commitment of our dippers to support men’s cancer care in the Mater is so inspiring and we continue to be humbled by their incredible fundraising every year.”

She adds, “On behalf of all of us in the Foundation and the Hospital, we’d like to say a special thanks to PJ and Jim for kindly giving their time to support this important event and for daring to dip this November! Our thanks to our wonderful Dickie Dip Skerries Committee, to our friends in Fingal County Council and to everyone who dips or donates to support this important cause. With your support, we can continue to have a positive impact on the lives of our brothers, sons, fathers, uncles, husbands and more, being treated for cancer in the Mater Hospital.”

To register for The Dickie Dip for men’s cancer care in Skerries, Co. Dublin on Saturday, 16th November, simply click here or call 01 830 3482 to learn more.