Fundraiser aims to bring comfort to Tullamore dialysis patients

When Laois man, David Brickley, was attending the Renal Dialysis Unit at the Midland Regional Hospital in Tullamore for almost six years prior to his untimely death last November, one of the small comforts he cherished was an extra blanket to keep him warm while he was undergoing dialysis treatment.

After his death, his son and daughter, Louise and Patrick, decided to organise a GoFundMe campaign to raise much-needed funds for the dialysis unit and, more specifically for a blanket-warming cabinet so that other dialysis patients can receive a warm blanket when they arrive at the hospital for their treatment.

The culmination of the campaign to raise €11,500 was a very successful fundraising walk through the shaded Brittas Woods and lake in the Slieve Bloom mountains on the scorching hot Saturday afternoon of August 13 last which was attended by over 100 walkers from all parts of Laois and Offaly.

As well as taking part in the walk, Louise (Makim) who lives with her family in Knockarlow, Clareen, outside Birr, along with her brother, Patrick, erected an Irish Kidney Association (IKA) stand at the entrance to Brittas Woods on the day of the walk and spoke to walkers about the importance of carrying an organ donor card. They also emphasised the need for individuals to have that conversation with their families about their wish to have their organs donated after their death.

The fundraising walk also included a scavenger hunt for the children taking part, and ended with refreshments and music in Clonaslee Parochial Hall.

Prior to the walk, the GoFundMe campaign organised by Louise and Patrick Brickley in memory of their beloved Dad included a closed draw for a plot of turf, followed by a Croagh Patrick climb. Both events proved to be very successful, with 20 brave souls volunteering to take part in the arduous climb of Croagh Patrick! The family decided to organise the Holy Mountain climb as it was close to their late Dad’s heart – and his knees – though a number of the participants swore they would never do it again.

The Brickley family are now “very close” to meeting their target of €11,500 for the blanket warming cabinet in the Renal Dialysis Unit in Tullamore, and are asking members of the public to make one final push in their efforts to make their dream become a reality.

“The team in the Renal Dialysis Unit provide the best of care and attention to their patients” according to Louise Brickley “and a blanket warming cabinet would greatly improve the experience of the people they support, and we think they deserve that.”

If you would like to donate to this worthy cause in memory of David Brickley please donate at the ‘Warming Up Dialysis’ GoFundMe page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/vvsxu-warming-up-dialysis