Fundraiser is ‘keeping me connected to Dad’s legacy’

Ciaran McGinley, who worked at the Hospice until 2019, said that the fundraiser will honour the memory of his father and also mark the 30th anniversary of the opening of the inpatient unit.

Dr Tom McGinley, who founded the Foyle Hospice in 1985, passed away in January aged 86.

Following his death, many tributes were paid to Dr McGinley by the people of Derry and he was described as a ‘true visionary’ by former colleagues.

Ciaran said these tributes provided a lot of comfort to his family.

“Unfortunately he didn’t get the send-off that he deserved because of the Covid regulations. But on the other hand, it was nice to have family time leading up to the funeral.

“The tributes provided us with comfort because Dad was so well known not only through his work with the hospice, but also as a GP.”

The Gweedore native passed away in Foyle Hospice after spending a number of weeks in hospital.

“Even though I worked there for years, until you actually experience the care the hospice provides I don’t think you can fully understand or accept just what goes on there. They are able to focus 100 per cent on the patient and their family.”

Ciaran has always been heavily involved in fundraising for the hospice and said that organising the fundraiser in memory of his father has helped him through his grief.

“It keeps me connected to his memory and to his legacy.”

Ciaran is asking people to complete a ten-mile challenge by June 21 and try to raise £50 for the Foyle Hospice. The distance can be covered by walking, running or cycling and can be done in one go or broken down into blocks.

Donations can be made via https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ciaran10 or to receive a sponsor form email [email protected]