Killeigh native raises €3k for 'invaluable' Dóchas service

By Rebekah O'Reilly

Killeigh native Cathy Kelly has raised €3,000 for the Dóchas Offaly's 'Do it for Dochas' abseiling fundraiser.

Cathy will be joined in the challenge by her son, 25-year-old Liam Lynch who has also raised over €1,000 for the cause.

Speaking to the Offaly Independent about the event, Cathy said: ““When I was growing up I loved all those wild things, so when I heard about the fundraiser I had a huge interest.

“I've been attending Dóchas for the best part of 19 years now, so anything I can do to give back is good. It's terrifying, but exciting”

Cathy has been living with cancer for the past 19 years, after first being diagnosed in 2005.

“I have metastatic cancer in my liver and bones, which was diagnosed in 2016,” she said.

“I was originally diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005, so I have been battling cancer for 19 years.”

“I'm on a new targeted therapy drug – and the bone pain is a major issue. I've been put on stronger tablets. Living with long term cancer has a lot of challenges, but I'm good at knowing my limits.”

If there's one reason Cathy would be willing to test her limits, it would be for the organisation that has brought her peace in her time of need.

Speaking about the impact that the help of the organisation has had on her day to day life, Cathy said: “Dóchas is a place of calm for me. I can say what I really feel – I'm always supported, never judged.

“The service has been invaluable for me.

They take me any time, any day – good or bad. I get the reflexology therapy, which I really enjoy.”

The maximum of 100 participants are taking part in the abseiling challenge in Croke Park, and Cathy said it has been a pleasure getting to know all those involved.

“It's lovely to be together, and get to know people doing it. You get to put names to the faces on the donation pages.”

To donate to the 'Do it for Dóchas' fundraiser, go to: www.idonate.ie/event/doitfordochascrokeparkabseilchallenge

For more information about their services, go to: www.dochasoffaly.com/