Family raises funds for hospital staff in memory of late mum who died of cancer

A family is raising funds for the staff of a Kildare hospital in memory of their late mother who lost her life to cancer. 

Helena Burke of Celbridge, Co Kildare, passed away on August 9, surrounded by her family.

She was in the care of the staff at St Brigid’s Hospice, The Curragh.

In memory of their late mother, her children have set up a GoFundMe campaign, to which you can donate here, to raise funds for the staff of The Curragh.

“Our mother, Helena, was diagnosed with cancer in April 2023. She received exceptional care throughout all stages of her illness, including through the amazing palliative care team from St. Brigid's Hospice at the Curragh, Kildare.

“In recent weeks, Helena's illness took a significant turn, and it became clear that further treatment was no longer a viable option. Helena decided that St. Brigid's Hospice would be the most comfortable place for the final stages of her life, and she received outstanding care from the nurses, doctors, consultants and all staff working at this outstanding service. Our family were blown away by the attention, care and humility provided over the short period she stayed there, and the palliative team provided invaluable support to our family throughout the entire course of her illness. We encourage you to support us in showing our appreciation to the staff at St. Brigid's Hospice, the Curragh,” said Cillian Burke, the organiser of the fundraiser.

Helena was the beloved wife of David and cherished mother of Ciara, Cillian and Dearbhla. Sadly missed by her loving husband, son, daughters, mother Ellen, sister Susan, brothers Gary and Robert, mother-in-law Anne, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, nieces, relatives, friends and Helena’s colleagues and pupils in Scoil Mochua, Aghards, Celbridge.