'A powerful way to come together' - Carlow communities urged to take part in Gratitude Week

The Mater Hospital Foundation is calling on communities, families, and individuals across county Carlow to join in celebrating the life-saving work of the Mater Hospital for patients from across the country by taking part in Gratitude Week.

Happening this September, Gratitude Week – culminating in World Gratitude Day on Sunday September 21 - is a chance to honour those who make an extraordinary difference in the lives of Mater patients – from frontline healthcare teams to families, carers and communities.

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Everyone can get involved, whether it’s organising a fundraising event in your local community or simply donating online. Every euro raised helps transform care at the Mater – from funding cutting-edge equipment and redeveloping tired outdated facilities, to supporting families and investing in life-changing research.

The Browne family know just how powerful gratitude can be. In 2020, Barry Browne received a single lung transplant at the Mater after living with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) for over six years. In 2024, to say thank you for the exceptional care he received, Barry and his community organised the Ballygarvan Tractor Run in Co. Cork, raising an incredible €47,500 for the Mater’s Transplant Ward.

With the generosity of supporters like the Browne family, the Mater Hospital Foundation is helping to deliver better outcomes for patients every day – and with continued support, we can do even more.

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Commenting on Gratitude Week, Angi McNulty, Community Fundraising Specialist with the Mater Hospital Foundation said,

“Every day, I am honoured to meet patients and families from all over Ireland in the Mater Hospital who tell me about the exceptional care they have received. This September’s Gratitude Week is a powerful way to come together as communities and do something special for patients in our hospital.

“I’m here to support you every step of the way, so if you have an idea for a fundraiser, or simply want to donate to support the Mater Hospital’s life-saving work, I’d love to hear from you. Let’s turn appreciation into action, together!”

Visit www.materfoundation.ie/gratitudeweek to get inspired and learn more about how you can get involved this September.