26 September 2016

The Gala Ball promises a spectacular evening with Mercy University Hospital staff, former patients, individuals, and various supporters from the corporate world coming together to celebrate the magic of Christmas and kick off the party season. The evening begins with a champagne drinks reception at 7pm, followed by a sumptuous five course meal, and entertainment with a lively band and DJ to keep the dance floor busy until the early hours, with the opportunity to win great prizes throughout the night.

Funds raised through the Ball will go towards building a specialised Cancer CARE Centre at The Mercy University Hospital. With one in three of us expected to have cancer at some point in our lives, it is likely that we or someone close to us will have the experience of sitting in a consultation room, being given devastating news. The Centre will provide a quiet safe place for patients and families dealing with a cancer diagnosis to come to receive support on their cancer journey.

Ian O’Connell, Investment Manager at Investec Wealth & Investment, sponsors of this year’s Christmas Wishes Gala Ball said “We are delighted to be supporting The Mercy Christmas Wishes Gala Ball which offers a great opportunity for people to come together, have some fun and raise money for cancer care in the Munster region. Our team from both our Cork and Dublin offices are really looking forward to being a part of this event, and we invite you to come celebrate the Christmas season with us and make a real difference to cancer patients and their families at The Mercy.”

Vivienne Curran, Cancer Nurse Specialist at The Mercy University Hospital, and member of the Ball committee explains the difference funds will make: “Being a nurse dealing with cancer patients you are their advocate, you are their voice and their guiding hand when adversity strikes. The Cancer CARE Centre will be hugely beneficial, and as cancer nurses, it will aid our practice immensely at the time of a devastating diagnosis. It will be a safe haven in comfortable, non-intimidating surroundings, where privacy and dignity are paramount; a non-clinical environment where patients can sit with family and nurses and go through the news that they have been diagnosed with cancer.”

Vivienne continued “If your company, or group of friends or family, is looking for a Christmas Party event, the Mercy Christmas Wishes Gala Ball is sure to impress. We invite you to come celebrate the Christmas season with us and make a real difference to cancer patients and their families.”

Michelle Murphy, Corporate and Events Fundraiser at the Mercy Hospital Foundation added “Our mission is to inspire people to support advancements in research, diagnosis, treatments and care of patients at The Mercy University Hospital, the People’s Hospital. We promise to do our very best to provide you with a world class hospital, right on your doorstep, and this is only possible through the help of our supporters and donors. We are thrilled to welcome Investec as the overall sponsor of the Christmas Wishes Ball this year, and it is thanks to them and all those who attend the Ball on November 25th that The Mercy will be at the forefront of cancer diagnoses, treatment and patient care for the people of Munster.”

Tickets for the Mercy Christmas Wishes Cancer Ball are €100 each and are available online at www.mercyfundraising.ie or by calling (021) 4274076.