Daniel Day-Lewis Welcomes Wicklow Hospice Progress

Irish actor Daniel Day Lewis has welcomed news that the Wicklow Hospice Foundation can proceed with a new 12-bed facility at its Magheramore site.

The Foundation has almost reached its fundraising target of €3m, 50% of the total cost, which would enable the HSE to get on board and fund the development.

The HSE has committed to including the facility in their 2014 service plan and pre-planning has been submitted to Wicklow County Council.

Daniel Day-Lewis, patron of the Wicklow Hospice Foundation, said it was essential to keep the momentum going to see the project completed.

"We are so grateful that the HSE will now come on board to fund the remaining 50% of the building and the running costs of the facility at the idyllic Magheramore site in its service plan for 2014," he said.

"This could all be ready so soon. It is estimated the building will take approximately twelve months, so with building commencement next year, hopefully the first patients can enjoy the highest quality of end of life care in the Wicklow Magheramore Hospice in 2015."

Mr Day-Lewis continued: "This stupendous site was already approved by the HSE in 2010 and it is not costing a cent as it was so generously donated by the Columban sisters. The Magheramore site is the quintessence of what a Hospice site should be –an ideal, tranquil place overlooking the sea and offering our loved ones a quality, dignified experience at life’s end.

"Today’s news is a credit to the people of Wicklow who, despite recession and hardship, have generously shared so much to ensure that their loved ones can pass their final days in this wonderful peaceful setting."

Kieran McLoughlin, CEO American Ireland Fund, joined Mr Day-Lewis and Wicklow Hospice Foundation committee members at the Magheramore site to celebrate the good news.

The American Ireland Fund is assisting the foundation with reaching the €3 million fundraising target for the Magheramore Hospice.

"We are delighted that the HSE will now step in to make this much-needed facility a reality on the beautiful Magheramore site," he said.

"Seeing vital projects such as this come to fruition is the reason why our generous donors continue to pledge their support to so many Irish projects. When Wicklow Hospice Foundation showed us the Magheramore pictures , we knew that patients in their final days would be so uplifted and we were determined to help make it happen."

Evanne Cahill, Chair of Fundraising at Wicklow Hospice Foundation, says the organisation is overwhelmed with what has been achieved.

"We cannot believe that all the hard work is now about the pay off. We are indebted to our many supporters, big and small. The people of Wicklow made this happen – they put their hearts and souls into this Magheramore Hospice facility as too many of them had seen close family die in acute hospitals, miles from home without the vital palliative care that affords dignity, comfort and peace at one of the most vulnerable times in life. The Magheramore site is bounded by mature trees, surrounded by wildlife and bird song. What greater gift could you give to those you love the most as they approach life’s end."

(IT/CD)