Brendan Gleeson backs major fundraising drive for 'game-changer' hospice
Brendan Gleeson has backed a major fundraising effort for the building of a 24 single-bed in-patient unit at St Francis Hospice in Dublin's Raheny, where both his parents received care.
The Hollywood star took on his latest role – dressing in a builder's hard hat – to support the €20million Buy a Brick campaign.
"I know how much of a game changer this new facility will be for the entire community of North Dublin," said Gleeson, 70.
"Brick by brick, we can make this happen."
The new unit will enable staff to care for an extra 3,000 patients over the next 25 years – and the fundraiser invites people to contribute to the build by buying a brick for €25, €100, or €250 and leaving their name or message on a Virtual Community Support Wall.
As he prepares to make his West End debut and return to theatre for the first time in a decade, Gleeson urged everyone to embrace the project.
"I know first-hand how difficult end-of-life care can be for families.
"Hospice care is magical in terms of the respect, dignity and compassion it offers to people receiving palliative care. This new unit will provide the privacy, comfort, and highest quality facilities that people need and deserve.
"I'm asking people to support it by visiting https://www.sfh.ie/buy-a-brick/ or contact the Fundraising Department at 01-8327535."
Construction at the site is due to begin next year and will also include an underground carpark and clinical support facilities, with a pedestrian bridge linking it to the existing building.
Last year, St Francis Hospice cared for 2,313 patients at its two facilities in Blanchardstown and Raheny - almost double that of a decade earlier.
According to CSO census figures, the North Dublin catchment area served by the hospice is consistently one of the fastest-growing areas in the country.
"The current in-patient unit can care for around 6,750 patients over the next 25 years but with the planned expansion to 24 single rooms, this capacity will rise to 9,600 patients," said Fintan Fagan, CEO of St Francis Hospice.
"That means it will serve at least 2,850 additional individuals than the current in-patient unit would allow. In all, the new unit will positively impact the lives of about 100,000 patients and their loved ones over the next 25 years.
"As well as increasing the number of patients we can care for, it will provide more comfort and privacy for them and their families at a precious time in their lives.
"We are under no illusion that it is a big fundraising target. St Francis Hospice has been an integral part of the North Dublin community since 1989. It was founded and continues to grow thanks to the amazing fundraising efforts of the community.
"We are relying on the continued goodwill and support of individuals, companies and foundations to make this new facility a reality so that we can provide specialist palliative care for all who need it in our growing community."
The Buy a Brick campaign will run throughout the construction phase and until the new in-patient unit is completely paid for.
To participate, visit https://www.sfh.ie/buy-a-brick/ or contact the Fundraising Department at 01-8327535.
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