Take on the ‘31 Miles in May’ challenge and
support dementia care in the Mater Hospital

The Mater Hospital Foundation is calling on people across the country to lace up, head out and take on its new 31 Miles in May challenge, supporting dementia care in the Mater Hospital.

This challenge is a great opportunity for family members, friends, carers and anyone wanting to make a difference to get active for a really important cause. Taking time out to walk just one mile a day is beneficial for physical and mental well-being, and can be of real benefit to carers of people with dementia.

31 Miles in May is also a great way for companies to get their teams active and working together to raise vital funds in support of dementia care. Getting involved couldn’t be easier. Simply visit www.materfoundation.ie to register for your free challenge t-shirt (while stocks last!), miles tracker and set up your fundraising page on either Facebook, Instagram or JustGiving.

Join the exclusive 31 Miles in May private Facebook group to connect with other challenge participants from across Ireland, to get inspired and stay motivated for your challenge. Get the word out to your loved ones, friends and colleagues about the challenge and ask them to donate to support. Everyone who completes the challenge will receive a special Mater Hospital Foundation certificate to celebrate their achievement.

Mater Hospital Foundation supporters have already supported a number of initiatives to support dementia patients in the Mater Hospital, like refurbishing St. Anne’s Dementia Friendly Ward and funding the unique ‘RITA’ (Reminiscence / Rehabilitation and Interactive Therapy Activities) technology that helps patients remember and share events from their past. Funds raised by the 31 Miles in May challenge will be put to work where they are needed most to continue to make a real difference in the hospital.

Commenting on the Mater Hospital Foundation’s 31 Miles in May challenge, Mary Moorhead, Chief Executive, says: “Many of us are affected by dementia in our lifetime, whether that means facing dementia ourselves, or caring for a loved one with the condition. That’s why it is so important to work together to provide the very best support to those facing this journey in their lives. Here in the Mater Hospital Foundation, we are committed to being there to support patients in the Hospital. We hope you’ll join us for this very special challenge for dementia care.”

To learn more and sign up for 31 Miles in May, simply visit the Mater Hospital Foundation website at www.materfoundation.ie, email contact@materfoundation.ie or call 01 830 3482.

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Irish Fine Jewellery Brand Enibas Unveils Heartfelt Pendant to
Support Mater Heart Patients

Schull-based fine jeweller enibas has today launched a new special-edition pendant in support of heart patients in the Mater Public Hospital.

Available here: https://www.enibas.com/product/croi-alainn-healing-heart-pendant

This beautiful new piece is designed to raise funds and awareness for cardiac care at the Mater, which is the heart centre for Ireland.

Founded in 1985, the Mater Hospital Foundation is the official fundraising body of the Mater Hospital and exists to support its life-saving work and to help make the ordinary, extraordinary for more than 420,000 patients each year.

The Foundation does this by enhancing hospital facilities to create a comfortable and caring environment for patients and their families, by funding pioneering research and clinical trials, by funding vital and life-saving equipment and by providing essential staff and patient supports.

Commenting on this new partnership and the new Croí álainn necklace, Mary Moorhead, Chief Executive of the Mater Hospital Foundation said, “We are absolutely delighted to partner with enibas on this heartfelt initiative, which will make a real difference for our patients from across Ireland living with serious heart conditions.”

She added, “The design of this beautiful piece is incredibly meaningful, and we would like to thank our friends in enibas for working with us to continue bringing world-class care to cardiac patients and hope that our supporters will consider a Croí álainn necklace for their next birthday, anniversary or special occasion.”

Sabine Lenz, Designer and Founder of enibas said, “Looking out for one another is what makes us human, a value we cherish deeply here at enibas. That’s why we’re incredibly proud to introduce this special piece, made with love, in support of the Mater Hospital Foundation.”

The new limited-edition pendant features an open-heart design inscribed with the Irish phrase “Croí álainn”, which translates as “beautiful heart”. Combining the virtues of love, healing and care, the design is a meaningful reflection of the Foundation’s critical mission, and dovetails with the message in every enibas piece: that life is precious, every day, and that our connection to one another is the most important thing we have.

The pendant is the newest addition to enibas’s beloved ‘Croí álainn’ collection of pendants, earrings and bracelets, which are made of solid gold or silver from ethical, recycled sources. Each piece is hand-finished in the enibas workshop in Schull, where Sabine Lenz first founded the company over 30 years ago.

This unique piece is an ideal, heartfelt gift for yourself or someone else in your life, made even more meaningful by this partnership, which will see 10% of every necklace sale go to support heart care in the Mater Hospital.

To celebrate this impactful partnership and raise awareness for the Foundation’s vital work, enibas has announced a competition to win a pendant, further details of which can be found on their social media channels.

This special-edition Croí álainn necklace can be purchased on the enibas website at www.enibas.com and in enibas stores in Schull and Kinsale. For more information visit www.enibas.com or www.materfoundation.ie.

Run, jog or walk the Aer Arann Islands Half Marathon on the beautiful island of Inis Mór

The Mater Hospital Foundation is calling on runners, joggers and walkers to join the fun this April on Inis Mór for the Aer Arann Islands Half Marathon.

Supporting patients in the Mater Public Hospital, this exciting event will take place on the weekend of 12^th -14^th April in the stunning surrounds of Inis Mór, just off the Galway coast.

The Half Marathon is a unique opportunity to run, jog or walk in the spectacular and scenic surroundings of Inis Mór and to soak up the atmosphere, ceol and culture that the island has to offer. This unique event is raising vital funds for the Mater Hospital Foundation, with proceeds going to support vital new equipment that has the power to save lives.

Each week in Ireland, one person under the age of 35 passes away from Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndromes (SADS). Tragically, many are preventable with earlier detection. Funds raised through this year’s Aer Arann Island’s Half Marathon will go towards new state of-the-art genetic testing equipment to help diagnose serious hidden heart conditions.

By taking part, you will be helping us move one step closer to fund this vital equipment, ensuring families get the care and treatment they need ahead of preventable tragedies. There really is no greater gift than that. Click here to find out how to take part.

The Mater Hospital Foundation is delighted to work with the Marathon Committee for a second year to raise funds for patients in the Mater Hospital. In 2023, the Aer Arann Islands Half Marathon raised in excess of €105,000 to transform and improve patient care in the Mater, which provides expert, specialist treatment to more than 420,000 patients and their families from across Ireland each year.

Pictured is the Aer Arann Half Marathon Committee announcing total of €105,000 raised in support of the Mater Hospital Foundation at the 2023 event. Pictured are: Peter McKenna, CEO, AAI, Pilot Alan Grimes, Breda O Donnell, Pilot Brendan Geary, Liam Folan, Patricia Folan, Cathy Gill, Grainne McDonagh,, Marie Mulrooney, Mairtin O Donnell and Angi McNulty from the Mater Hospital Foundation.

Commenting on this year’s event, Mary Moorhead, Chief Executive of the Mater Hospital Foundation said, “We are delighted to be once again working with the Aer Arann Island’s Half Marathon Committee and heading back to Inis Mór in April for this truly one-of-a-kind event. We are immensely grateful to the Committee, volunteers and participants who have already had such a huge impact on our patients’ lives. Our sincere appreciation must also lie with Aer Arann for their long-standing support of this event and for helping to make it possible every spring.”

She added, “Whether you’re a walker, jogger or runner, we hope that you’ll join us for this truly unforgettable experience. Your support has the power to change patients’ lives.” 

Peter Mc Kenna, Managing Director, Aer Arann Islands said, “This year, Aer Arann Islands is delighted to work with the Mater Hospital Foundation and the Inis Mór community to create another unforgettable and enjoyable experience whilst, at the same time, raising much needed funds to purchase vital equipment for the Mater Hospital. The entire route passes through magnificent coastline scenery with world famous views of wide bays and sandy beaches. So, whether you run, walk, or jog, the Aer Arann Islands Half Marathon is a unique and memorable experience for all involved. Thank you for your participation for this great cause and we look forward to flying you there.”

You can learn more and download registration forms by visiting www.materfoundation.ie, alternatively contact the Mater Hospital Foundation’s Community and Events Specialist Angela McNulty at amcnulty@materfoundation.ie or call the Mater Hospital Foundation on 01 830 3482.

Ag rith, ag siúl nó ag jagáil, is ócáid fíor speisialta é an Leath-Mharatón Aer Arann Islands, Inis Mór, 12 -14ú Aibreán. Bigí linn!

The Winter 2024 edition of your ‘Heart of the Mater’ newsletter drops this week!

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

Friday, 24th November: Update regarding Remember Me Walk, Sunday, 26th November 

In light of events in the city centre over the past 24-hours and out of respect to our local community and healthcare workers, we have taken the difficult decision to cancel our planned Remember Me Walk in St. Anne’s Park, Raheny this Sunday, 26th November.

As this is a constantly evolving situation, we believe this is the correct decision in order to keep everyone safe.

We are disappointed that we won’t have the opportunity to gather with you on Sunday and we hope you will understand and accept our apologies. Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this terrible incident.

To everyone who has fundraised in advance of the Walk to support end-of-life care, we would like to thank you for continuing to be there for our patients and their families.

Calling on men to take on The Dickie Dip for men’s cancer care

The Mater Hospital Foundation is challenging men to skip the speedos, strip off and brave the chilly waters in nothing but a dickie bow this winter for the annual Dickie Dip fundraiser for men’s cancer care. The dips will take place in Dublin and, for the first time this year, in Co. Mayo.

The Dickie Dip is a life-affirming skinny-dip fundraiser, supporting men’s cancer care in the Mater Public Hospital. The events take place in Dublin on 11th November and in Mayo on 18th Mayo, with exact times and locations to be revealed upon registration.

By joining hundreds of other brave men wading into the sea wearing only a dickie bow, you will be helping to make a life-saving difference for patients in the Mater. Proceeds raised at the events will go towards providing the very best in men’s cancer care and will be put to work where it is needed most in the hospital.

Taking part couldn’t be easier! Simply visit www.materfoundation.ie/dickiedip and follow the registration instructions. Everyone who signs up will receive a free dickie bow on the day and will be invited to join our Dickie Dip Facebook Group, where you’ll have the opportunity to meet and chat with your fellow dippers in advance of the November dips.

Pictured launching the Mater Hospital Foundation’s 2023 Dickie Dip fundraiser for men’s cancer care is Tom Ryan (L) and Dermot Higgins (R) of the Dickie Dip Skerries Committee.

The Dickie Dip has already made a hugely positive impact for the hospital, raising over 325,000 since it was first held in 2018. In 2022 alone, the event raised almost €140,000 for supports to aid in the early detection, diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer.

This year, the Mater Hospital Foundation hopes to raise even more for men’s cancer care in the Mater, with the help of hundreds of brave dippers making a real splash in Dublin and Mayo.

Commenting on this year’s dips, Mary Moorhead, Chief Executive of the Mater Hospital Foundation says, “We are delighted that The Dickie Dip is returning for 2023 and we’re so excited to be hosting a second dip in Co. Mayo for the first time ever. The brave men who join us every year for this uplifting event are such an inspiring and positive community, committed to making a difference for men’s cancer care and we thank them for all of their support to date.” 

She adds, “The dips would not be possible without our fantastic Dickie Dip Skerries Committee members, who have been with us every step of the way since day one. We hope that men from all across Ireland will take up this fun, exciting and brave challenge. With your help we can continue to have a positive and lasting impact on the lives of men being treated for cancer in the Mater Hospital.” 

To register for The Dickie Dip for men’s cancer care in Dublin on 11^th November or Mayo on 18^th November, simply visit www.materfoundation.ie/dickiedip or call 01 830 3482 to learn more.

Our Autumn edition of our ‘Heart of the Mater’ newsletter drops this week!

Go Pink in October and raise vital funds for 
 breast cancer patients in the Mater Public Hospital

The Mater Hospital Foundation is calling on companies, individuals and communities to take part in its new Go Pink campaign to help raise vital funds for breast cancer care in the Mater Public Hospital. 

Taking place on 18th October, Go Pink is a new fundraising campaign that will support patients with breast cancer by investing funds where they are needed most in the hospital. 

Pictured launching the Mater Hospital Foundation’s new Go Pink campaign is l-r: Tom Grace, Kabir Kalia and Mater Hospital Foundation Chief Executive Mary Moorhead. To register your business and Go Pink for breast cancer care, visit Pictured launching the Mater Hospital Foundation’s new Go Pink campaign is l-r: Tom Grace, Kabir Kalia and Mater Hospital Foundation Chief Executive Mary Moorhead. To register your business and Go Pink for breast cancer care, visit Pictured launching the Mater Hospital Foundation’s new Go Pink campaign is l-r: Tom Grace, Kabir Kalia and Mater Hospital Foundation Chief Executive Mary Moorhead. To register and Go Pink for breast cancer care, visit www.materfoundation.ie/gopink

To coincide with Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, the Foundation is calling on people across the country to get on board by hosting their own Pink Party. Getting involved couldn’t be easier. You can hold your event on 18^th October or whatever date works best for you.

Simply register on the website or by getting in contact with the Mater Hospital Foundation directly and you will receive your free pink specs to bring even more razzle dazzle to your go Pink event.

Your party can be as simple or elaborate as you like, and the funds you raise will be put to work to support women and men with breast cancer from all across Ireland. Your colleagues and friends will be tickled pink to take part, knowing that they will be having a positive impact on the lives of so many Mater Hospital patients.

Hosting your own Go Pink breakfast, brunch, event or activity is such an easy and fun way to bring people together, create a real sense of togetherness in your workplace or community and make a huge difference in the Mater Hospital. 

Every day, patients with breast cancer receive world-class care in the Mater Hospital, and the Mater Hospital Foundation is committed to standing with each and every one of them and ensuring that the Mater’s doctors and nurses have the tools they need to continue to provide the very best care.  

Thanks to the generosity of its supporters, the Mater Hospital Foundation has helped to make so much possible in the Mater Hospital, from enhancing the Breast Health unit to funding life-saving equipment and supporting ground-breaking research.

Commenting on the new Go Pink fundraising campaign, Mater Hospital Foundation Chief Executive Mary Moorhead says, “We are so excited to be launching this colourful campaign for companies, communities and individuals right across Ireland. It is a great opportunity to have some fun, embrace your silly side and bring your colleagues or friends together, all while making a real and lasting difference for patients with breast cancer in the Mater Public Hospital.”

She adds, “Add a splash of colour to your October by taking part in this extraordinary event. When you sign up, we will send you your very own Go Pink event pack with everything you need to make your Pink Party a real success and we have a whole host of downloadable resources that will help make your event extra special.”

To register today to host your own Go Pink Party, simply visit our website – www.materfoundation.ie/gopink or call the Mater Hospital Foundation on 01 830 3482 to find out more about how your workplace or community can get involved this October.

Mater Hospital performs 1000th Robotics-Assisted Surgery.

The Mater Misericordiae University Hospital has reached an important milestone this month, as surgeons complete the 1000th robotics-assisted surgery.

The Robotic Surgical Programme is now in its fifth year, having been launched in 2019. Thanks to the generosity of the Mater Hospital Foundation’s supporters across Ireland, the hospital secured a state-of-the-art Da Vinci XI robot.

Since its launch, the programme has immeasurably improved outcomes for cancer patients and their families and has quickly expanded to involve sixteen surgeons across six specialities, including Urology, Cardiothoracic, Colorectal, Head and Neck, Gynaecology, and Hepatobiliary.

As a national university training hospital, the Mater Hospital plays a key role in building robotics expertise for Irish healthcare.

Mr Greg Nason, Consultant Urologist in the Mater Hospital who performed the 1000^th surgery says, “The Robotic Programme in the Mater has been a great success thanks to the Mater Hospital Foundation’s generosity. The expertise that has been established within the hospital from a nursing and medical perspective has allowed us to offer a multi-speciality programme to our patients. Within urology, robotic surgery is now the standard for most major prostate and bladder cancers as well as many kidney cancers.”

Mr Nason explains the many benefits of this type of advanced surgery, “The robotic platform allows surgeons perform difficult procedures with better magnification and fine movements due to the small robotic instruments ultimately leading to a less invasive operation for patients. Overall, the patient experience is improved due to smaller incisions, less blood loss and less pain resulting in them going home earlier and having an easier recovery. Our robotic programme has gone from strength to strength due to the enthusiasm within the hospital and will continue to expand to offer timely robotic surgery to more and more Mater patients.”

Commenting on the programme and the 1000th robotics-assisted procedure, Alan Sharp, CEO of the Mater Hospital says, “The Mater Misericordiae University Hospital has long been at the centre of groundbreaking moments in medical care, that are continuing to change and improve the lives of people across Ireland. Many of these pioneering initiatives have been made possible because of the generosity of Mater Hospital Foundation supporters.”

Chief Executive of the Mater Hospital Foundation Mary Moorhead says, “We are so proud of the role that our supporters have played in making the Robotic Assisted Surgical Programme a reality and helping the hospital reach this important milestone. Through their kindness and generosity, our community of care nationwide is continuing to make transformative change possible in our hospital.”

She adds, “None of this would be possible without the skill and technical expertise of the Mater’s surgical teams. I would like to pay tribute to every clinician involved in the Robotic Surgical Programme for their work in improving outcomes for cancer patients.”

To find out more about the Mater Hospital Foundation and to support the life-saving work that happens in the Mater Hospital every day, visit www.materfoundation.ie.