Wexford woman to host Gorey fundraiser raising cancer awareness and promoting HPV vaccine

A Gorey fundraiser is aiming to raise money for cancer patient care while also highlighting the importance of the HPV vaccine.

A table quiz and raffle in aid of the Friends of St Luke’s will take place at the Coach House in Gorey on October 3rd at 7pm.

The event has been organised by Melanie who was treated for tonsil cancer in 2024.

She stayed at Oakland Lodge on the grounds of St Luke’s Hospital in Rathgar while undergoing radiation treatment there and chemotherapy at St Vincent’s Hospital.

Her cousin Muriel also stayed at Oakland Lodge last year while receiving treatment for breast cancer.

The fundraiser will raise money to support the care and comfort of patients and their families, while also providing information about cancer prevention and support services.

Information stands and leaflets will be available from Breast Cancer Ireland, the Marie Keating Foundation, the Irish Cancer Society and the Patient Advocacy Service.

The organiser is also hoping to raise awareness among families in Wexford and across the South East about the HPV vaccine, which helps protect against a number of HPV-related cancers, including cervical cancer and some cancers of the throat and tonsils.

She says that if the vaccine had been available when she was a teenager, she may not have developed cancer.

The Friends of St Luke’s has supported patients for more than 40 years, helping to enhance the care and comfort of adults and children undergoing treatment through the St Luke’s Radiation Oncology Network.

The network includes St Luke’s Hospital in Rathgar, Beaumont Hospital and St James’s Hospital and is one of the largest radiation oncology networks in Europe.

It is also the only facility in Ireland providing this specialist, life-saving radiation therapy to children.

Funds raised by the Friends of St Luke’s also support clinical research through the St Luke’s Institute of Cancer Research, helping to advance cancer treatment and improve outcomes for patients across Ireland.

Tickets for the Gorey fundraiser are available for the table quiz and raffle on the night.

Organisers are encouraging people in Wexford and the wider South East to come along, support the fundraiser and learn more about cancer prevention, treatment and patient support.

You can donate here: https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/melanieocarroll?fbclid=IwY2xjawUfQ0twZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjEwAGJyaWQRMVpnNlRGa1owV3poVTY2U3RzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEecTS4i8evjnEgTF9EiYYWMnL7w-lS34SYZSL0gqy4FwBfibFfiqc5qII_XPY_aem_H3wSkZh0mGjbEZ17Ek2Lvw