Dear donor,

Brendan looked up at me, eyes a bit blurry. He’d been sleeping a lot, because he was unwell. But also, I think, because it was Christmas, and he was alone here, with us, in hospital. And to be honest, I was feeling a bit sad myself. Here I was, on the ward, away from my family.

We take turns, you see. And this year, it was me who was caring for our patients on Christmas eve. I want to tell you about Brendan, an older man who was with us one Christmas. And how he reminded me that simple kindnesses are so important.
But first, I want you to know that kind people like you are at the heart of our work. And before I tell you about Brendan, I want to ask you – will you share your kindness again this Christmas with a gift to CUH?
No one would choose to spend Christmas in hospital. And years ago, it used to be very quiet then. We would send many patients home for the holiday.
But now we have an older population. And more patients would be staying with us. The wards are full to capacity most Christmases and New Year’s. And I know, as much as we’d love to be home with our families, our patients are feeling that much sadder… and alone. Some are here because they need a great deal of care – care their loving families can’t properly provide. Some are here because their families are far away. Some arrive because of an emergency and have nowhere to turn on Christmas Eve.
It hurts my heart to see them alone and unwell at Christmas. So, like all of us, I push aside my own disappointment and bring as much comfort and cheer as I can. I can’t replace their loved ones. But I can show them how much we care.

And that’s why I’m writing to ask for your help. I know this Christmas there will be patients who feel alone and sad. And I hope you can help bring some light to them all. Your gift could bring Christmas to the patients who must spend the holiday with us… alone.

My own mother was only 63 when she passed. She had been in hospital on that Christmas. And the nurses bought all the patients a small gift. They gave her a little bottle of talc. It was a lovely touch. I found it when I was cleaning her locker and I said, “Who gave you that?” “Oh, the nurse gave me that for Christmas!”

That gift, though small, did so much good for my mother. She kept it until she passed. That small gift said, “Happy Christmas!” and “You’re not alone” all at once.

I saw what cheer a small kindness could bring. And that’s why I’m asking for your help today. Would you give a gift that feels right to you, to help us cheer up the lovely people who must spend their Christmas in hospital? Missing our loved ones at Christmas makes it hard.

So, one year, I was feeling low. And that’s when Brendan gave me a gift. We truly care about our patients. The canteen would prepare a full Irish breakfast for Christmas morning. And of course, we would have a tree and decorations. It’s as festive as a hospital ward can be. Brendan seemed especially still that Christmas Eve. When I woke him on Christmas Day to fix him up in the bed, he seemed confused. He asked, “What day is it?”. I said, “It’s Christmas Day.” “Well, a happy Christmas to you all.”

I wish I’d woken him that way. This sweet man, in hospital, alone… and the first thing he did was to wish me a happy Christmas. Christmas really isn’t about what’s under the tree. Alone in a hospital bed, away from the people he loved most, Brendan gave me the gift of kindness. You can bring our patients that same light today. You’ll be showing them that someone cares. And like my mother, our patients will remember your compassion.
The light you bring might mean we can provide a One4All voucher through the Breeda McGrath Fund, a little extra support for a family that has been
financially impacted by cancer. Or a small gift to light the day, like a jigsaw puzzle or cosy socks. And that’s the heart of it, isn’t it? Especially at Christmas, knowing someone thought of you, that you’re not forgotten, can lift your spirits. That’s why I’m asking today, would you help us brighten the day for someone in the hospital this Christmas? Would you give a donation of any amount you feel is right – and bring a bit of brightness to their day?

I know you’re probably thinking about your own Christmas already. There’s planning to do, and decorating the house, and of course, gifts for your loved
ones. But as much time as it takes, it’s always worth it, because the memories we make at Christmas are memories that last. The little ones will only be little for so long. And our older loved ones won’t be with us forever. But for Christmas, at least, we can be together.

You can bring light to those who are alone on Christmas day!

That’s why I thought of you. You understand how important good care is here at CUH. But you also know that good medical care needs to work alongside kindness. Whatever gift you choose to send, it will go towards healing and caring for our patients. They’ll know someone very kind thought of them this Christmas. And just as it did for my mam, just as Brendan did for me, your kindness will mean the world! I believe the loveliness of Christmas is in the giving. Seeing someone’s eyes light up at a gift you chose carefully just for them… It fills your heart, doesn’t it?

This Christmas, would you make room for someone spending the day in hospital, maybe without any family or friends to keep them company? Thank you for all you do to support our hospital. Your generosity is a gift to us all. And I hope your Christmas is filled with laughter, good food, and especially, those you hold most dear.

Nollaig Shona Duit,

Anne Marie (CUH).

If you would like to give a gift to someone this Christmas, please donate below:

Merry Christmas!