The Adrian Mitchell Society has enjoyed another successful year with one of the highlights being the visit of well known personality Gay Byrne. Mr Byrne was the guest speaker at a charity buffet supper at Castlegrove Country House in October.

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Judge John O’Donnell, Mrs. Mary Kavanagh Chandler
& Mr Gay Byrne at the Charity Buffet in Castlegrove House.

It was a busy year of fundraising for the society, which was established so school children would understand the Hospice Movement and for those who at a very young age may have experienced the bereavement of a school friend, cousin or neighbour, (and will hopefully be tomorrow’s carers). In the main the object of fundraising is to benefit the Hospice Garden and to help with funding for the further advancement in education of nurses.

The garden work is to be extended further in order that patients may sit in and enjoy the garden. The year began with help from The Sheephaven Mummers who once again gave money to extend the wheel chair path and followed by:- John Baird collating "Next Dance Please" music from the Famous Show Bands. Jarla Duffy donating his cartoon work in order that the society could raise funding through sales of his "Learn to Draw Cartoons". Gary's Garden Centre allowing the Society's merchandise to be sold there and help with the Garden.

Driftaway Travel’s continual help to the Society, Alan McCarron was the winner of a Travel Voucher from Letterkenny, ticket drawn by Eileen Magnier RTE. The Ulster Bank, Proctor’s Card Shop and many others who sold Christmas Cards with the help of many artists and photographers is very much appreciated. These are but a few of the wonderful aids that the Society has received.

Chairperson Judge John O'Donnell and Mary Kavanagh Chandler Founder/Secretary laid a memorial plaque on Adrian's Grave so that it would never be forgotten that he was the catalyst of the Hospice Movement in Donegal.

The four schools in Letterkenny - Ballyraine National School, St. Bemadette's, Scoil Cholmcille and Scoil Mhuire Gan Smal, each have little plots in which the children enjoy planting in their own space and were delighted that this year they were joined by schools from the North in a wonderful fun day of planting together and in creating a special bed in the Hospice Garden. They later enjoyed a lovely lunch together. The Adrian Mitchell Society, a sub-committee of the Donegal Hospice Limited is delighted that both the teachers and children enjoy their contribution and involvement with the Society so much. During 2006 there is to be a special treat for music lovers. The Vienna boys Choir will sing for six hospices in October. Letterkenny will host one on 7th October next.

www.adrianmitchellsociety.com