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The Friends Of St Luke’s

2012/13 Newsletterwww.friendsofstlukes.ie

Supporting St Luke’s Radiation Oncology Network

Dear Friends

A year has passed since my last message to you as Chairman of the Friends of St Luke’s. This gives me the very satisfying opportunity to say a heartfelt thank you to all the people who volunteer and raise funds for The St Luke’s Radiation Oncology Network and specifically for the beautiful site that is based in Rathgar. Without your help and generosity, we would not be able to provide such welcome support to the Hospital and the network, which goes to assist in the provision of a caring environment in which the enhanced delivery of care to patients is so essential.The St Luke’s Radiation Oncology Network, across the 3 sites at St Luke’s Hospital Rathgar, St Luke’s Radiation Oncology Centre at St James’s Hospital and St Luke’s Radiation Oncology Centre at Beaumont Hospital, continues to progress well. We are delighted to have been able to offer funds across the network, including the intended provision of Endoscopes in the St James and Beaumont centres (Rathgar already has this equipment), commitment to stereotactic equipment in Beaumont, continued funding of the great research work being undertaken by St Luke’s Institute of Cancer Research and a host of smaller projects that help to make the patient experience a better one in all three centres.

At the core of our effort in Friends of St Luke’s are the funds that are raised across the length and breadth of the country. It is wonderful to see how supportive families and friends of St Luke’s continue to be. This Newsletter highlights all the fundraising events held throughout the year and it is very gratifying to see so many of these events repeating year after year.

A novel addition to our fundraising effort in 2011/2012 has been the launch, in October 2011, of the Bluebell garden in the grounds in Rathgar. We were also pleased to receive the Minister for Health, Dr Reilly, who planted the first bluebell and spoke supportively of the importance of Rathgar within the network. In April, we then were delighted to open the Bluebell garden in its full and glorious colour and many patients and friends joined us for that day. We plan to hold our Bluebell Garden Open Day every year in April and hope you, Our Friends, will “come view our Bluebell garden” and join in the fun. Aside from the pleasure that the garden gives to visitors to Rathgar, it is proving a successful method of raising funds with people able to support us by buying a virtual bluebell on our website. Please visit us on www.bluebellgarden.ie and leave your message. It is my pleasure on behalf of the board to once again thank you all most sincerely for your generous support for the cure, care and comfort of our cancer patients.

Thank you

Peter ByersChairman

Message from the Friends of St Luke’s Chairman, Peter Byers

The Friends of St Luke’s Board members

Chairman Peter ByersHon Treasurer Katharine ByrneSecretary Reggie Redmond

Council Eamon Allen, Orla Benson, Keith Cairns, Paul Carroll, Louise Church, Marion Egan, Aideen Goggin, Keith Cairns, Eileen Maher, Prof Brendan McClean, Dr Gerard McVey, Thelma Murphy, David O’Halloran.

Peter Byers

2012 Newsletter Friends of St Luke’s 01

On Sunday, 29th April 2012, The Bluebell Garden at St Luke’s Hospital was officially opened.

October 2011 and as we all know nature takes its time but we still

had a covering of bluebells for the open day. This October more

bulbs were planted so spring 2013 should bring a splendid display

for our patients and friends to enjoy.

The Friends intend to hold the Bluebell Garden Open day

every year at the end of April and hope that all our friends and

supporters will drop by and relax in the sea of blue.

The Bluebell is now the Symbol of The Friends of St Luke’s. We

are inviting all our friends and supporters to log on to our new

website and “help us create our Bluebell Garden” by buying a

bluebell on line.

To donate to the Bluebell Garden, log on to

www.bluebellgarden.ie or call the Friends office on 01 4065314.

If you wish to buy a virtual bluebell as a present, The Friends can

send you a card with the message “a donation has been made on

your behalf to the Friends of St Luke’s Bluebell Garden”

Opening of the Bluebell Garden

02 Friends of St Luke’s 2012 Newsletter

St Luke’s Radiation Oncology Network (SLRON) is now mid way through its second year, having been operational since April 2011. The Network comprises St Luke’s Hospital and the two St Luke’s Radiation Oncology Centres at both St James’s and Beaumont Hospitals. During this time we have been able to develop the radiation therapy services across the network with the same holistic, dedicated patient focus that has become synonymous with the name of St Luke’s.SLRON is part of the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) and we can now confirm that this arrangement is to continue, as the NCCP will remain part of the HSE for the foreseeable future.

The management structure for the Network has been revised to recognise the SLRON as the vehicle for the delivery of patient care going forward and the appointment of existing managers into the new Network roles is almost complete. This will establish the SLRON as a robust entity and enable us to continue to deliver a first class radiation therapy service, using the same clinical care pathways across all three sites, irrespective of the establishment of the proposed hospital groups.

There are now patients staying in the refurbished Lodge facilities at St Luke’s (courtesy of the Friends of St Luke’s) who are receiving treatment in all three sites across the Network.

The generosity of the Friends and their supporters has enabled the SLRON to develop a range of specialist services that would not have been possible without their assistance.

The Friends have assisted St Luke’s with the provision of essential equipment to enable the development of both the new Ocular and Prostate Brachytherapy services. The ocular brachyterapy service is now in its second year and remains the only such service in available in Ireland. We treated our first prostate brachytherapy patients this year and next year plan to double the number treated to 100 per year. This is a hugely significant development, as for men deemed suitable for prostate brachytherapy, it offers a single day procedure, rather than the surgical removal of the prostate or a seven week course of radiotherapy.

The funding of new endoscopes and associated supporting equipment by the Friends has allowed us to start implementing the treatment of head and neck patients, using the latest ‘rapid arc’ technology in the new centres.

Next year the Network plans to launch a new Stereotactic Radiosurgery service. This technique involves very precise irradiation of small volumes in the brain to treat a range of malignant and non-malignant conditions. The service was set up in St Luke’s Hospital, Rathgar in 2006 and remains the only public service of this type in Ireland. While around 100 patients are treated in St Luke’s per year, the service does not currently allow treatment of certain conditions, which are treated outside the country. The special purpose linacs in Beaumont along with the additional equipment funded by the FOSL, will allow for an expanded range of conditions to be treated in the Beaumont Centre, with the required degree of accuracy.

This is a very significant development, and massive investment on behalf of the Friends of St Luke’s. The above two major projects, which have been funded by the Friends, represent a combined investment of almost €1.5m, which the public health system could not have funded. The Hospital, and now the Network, is greatly appreciative of the continued support provided by the Friends of St Luke’s. The support of the friends allows SLRON to continue to develop and implement leading edge technologies that would otherwise not be available to our patients.

On behalf of the staff and patients of St Luke’s Radiation Oncology Network, I want to pass on our sincere gratitude to the Friends of St Luke’s, their supporters and fundraisers and also the hope that we can rely on their generosity and assistance for many years to come.

Thank You

Richard LodgeNetwork ManagerSt Luke’s Radiation Oncology Network

St Luke’s Radiation Oncology Network


The Friends of St Luke’s Annual Golf Classic

Playing for the Neil Murphy Perpetual

Trophy

The 2012 Annual Golf Classic took place on Friday, 11th May, in Castle Golf Club, Rathfarnham. The trophy was won by Paul Carroll, from CPL Recruitment, playing with Declan Murphy, Joe McCarthy and Peter Scott, with a score of 86 points.

Sincere thanks to all who supported the event and helped us raise close on €17,000 for the St Luke’s Network.

Friday 10th May is the date for the 2013 Classic and we are back in Castle Golf Club for the Centenary Year.

Wednesday 23rd November was the date for the 2011 Ladies Lunch and once again a great day was had by all.

Special Guest on the day was Helen Dillon - world renowned plantswoman, writer, lecturer and broadcaster. Sincere thanks to Helen for talking time out of her busy schedule to be with us.

Thanks also to Jacquie Marsh and Maria Reidy from The Butler’s Pantry for adding fun to the day.

The 2012 lunch will take place on 28th November. Anne Gildea, Comedian, Writer and member of the comedy Trio “The Nualas”, will be our Special Guest and Jacquie and Maria from The Butler’s Pantry will be back with more ice breakers and goodies.

TO ALL THE LADIES WHO SUPPORT THE LUNCH, YEAR IN YEAR OUT, WE SAY A “VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU – WITHOUT YOU, THIS DAY WOULD NEVER HAPPEN

Deirdre HughesAppeals Director

The annual Ladies Lunch at the Westbury Hotel


Special Guest, Helen Dillon


St Luke’s staff continue to deliver a patient centred holistic service across the St Luke’s Radiation Oncology Network .

This is as always greatly supported and enhanced by the Friends of St Luke’s and their exceptional benefactors. The advantages of providing a networked integrated service for radiation oncology is clearly evident, as it supports the specialist nature of this particular patient service. It is well recognised that in the current economic environment, the delivery of healthcare is challenging. The support of the Friends of St Luke’s allows new initiatives to be supported and developed in the best interest of implementing and providing leading edge technology and treatment to our patients.

Internationally, it is an accepted fact that high quality radiotherapy takes place in a strong research and development environment. The significant contribution of The Friends of St Luke’s towards the funding of research and development inclusive of radiation oncology clinical trials is a an essential requirement to keep research active at St Luke’s. The research and development work is all aimed at improved care and outcome for patients. It ensures continued improvement in standards of care and clinical critical development and evaluation of new treatment approaches and aids the development of protocols of care, thus ensuring continued best practice. This service supports clinical improvements and development at St Luke’s Hospital as well as St Luke’s Centres at St James’s and Beaumont Hospitals.

I would like to acknowledge and thank The Friends of St Luke’s and all the benefactors for their generosity in giving of their time, resources and financial support, which benefit all patients attending St Luke’s services. I equally acknowledge the funding provided towards research-based treatment, which contributes to the quality and high standards of care given by the multidisciplinary team to the patients at St Luke’s Hospital and the entire St Luke’s Radiation Oncology Dublin Network.

Eileen MaherDirector of Nursing25th October 2012.

Patients Services at St Luke’s 2012

St Luke’s walkers returned to Dublin on October 20th, having completed a very successful, action packed walk in Vietnam.

Walks began in Hanoi, in the north, and took in the World Heritage Site of Halong Bay. From there they went on to the beautiful coastal city of NhaTrang, where the walks took place along the beaches and through little villages, visiting a local school.

Ho Chi Minh city was the final port of call where the last walk finished at the famous Cu Chi Tunnels.

I wish to take this opportunity to thank the walkers, many of whom have been walking with me every year for the last 12 years and I know they will be back again in 2013, when we will be travelling to BRAZIL.

Please join me on what promises to be another exciting trip.

Geraldine StaffordWalks Co-Ordinator01 4065036 / 087 [email protected]


Vietnam 2012


Brian Archer, La Stampa Hotel

Family Of seamus Fahy Fishertown Tractor, Run And Thrashing Day Fishertown Tractor Run

Charlville And District Vintage And Classic Club Colette & Jimmy Dunne, Tea & Coffee Day

Jack And Lil, 50th Wedding AnniversayHigh school, Rathgar

Patrons Of Castletown Inn, Co Laois Joan & Greg Murphy, Terenure, Family & Friends


Midland Motorcycle ClubAnnual Fun Run

The 13th Annual fun run, organised by Loretto Farrell and committee and the Midland Motorcycle Club, took place on June 29th 2012. Over 300 bikers left Moate on Friday morning along with support crew and collectors and they were joined en route by another 200. All returned safely to Athlone on Sunday evening.

The Bikers turned out again in Athlone on 4th August to create a world record “the most motorbikes parked on a bridge”. This was done in association with the Joe Dolan Festival and took place on the Joe Dolan Bridge. All proceeds went to the Midland Motorcycle St Luke’s fund in the attempt to reach the €1million. €888k has been raised to date.

Sincere thanks to Loretto, the committee, marshals, collectors, support drivers, all the bikers and their sponsors and to all those who supported them en route.


McCormack’s Bar, Naas

24k Walk For Life, 2012, Gerry And Phil Cooke, Archerstown

Brockagh Llama Sheep Show, Donegal

Bernie Smith Tennis Marathon

Charity Cycle, Nolans Pub, Annagh, Gorey

Diageo Ireland In Memory Of Seamus Fahy Charity Dance, Rathgar, Bryan Shepherd Frizante, Rathgar

Dorothy Mooney, Coffee & Tea Day, Gorey Joe, David, Darren & Gavin, Cheeverstown

BREFFNI CHALLENGE FOR CANCER 2012

The Breffni Challenge for Cancer took place on Saturday 4th August with a 20km and a 13km event from Cavan and Ballinagh to Arva. Over 700 walkers, joggers, runners and cyclists took part and completed the challenge, raising €40k for cancer.

A big thank you to the community of Arva, the fundraising committee, sponsors and St Patricks GAA Club, for organising this fantastic 10th Breffni Challenge, raising funds for The Friends of St Luke’s. We look forward to the 2013 event on Saturday 3rd August.

To sign up and for further information check out www.breffnichallenge.com

www.facebook.com/breffnichallenge and ontwitter @breffnichallenge


Joe, David, Darren & Gavin, Cheeverstown


Brendan McSherry & Peter Ward, Golf Classic

Chatfest 2, Bromley, UK

Hacketstown Parish

Helen Murtagh & Family & Marshalls, Athlone

Midland Prison Officers Annual Cycle

Irene McCole and Colin Craig, winner of heifer

Dublin 2 Dingle Challenge

Head & Beard Shave, Athboy

Ita Herity & ESCCU

Midland Prison Officers Annual Cycle


The Friends of St Luke’s Ladies Golf Society Classic

The annual golf classic, run by the ladies golf society, was held in Newlands Golf Club on Friday 15th June. Sincere thanks to the Lady Captain, Deirdre Walsh, and her committee for all their hard work. Thanks also to all who supported the day and a special thanks to Neil Harper who conducted a great auction.

This fantastic group of ladies raised €15,000 for The Friends of St Luke’s.


Brendan & Ann Coyne, Dublin City Marathon

John & Sinead Freil, Letterkenny

John O Donnell & Francie Cunningham

Laura Durcan, Portlaoise Leisure Centre, Sponsored 5k Run

Logues Of Cranford

Foigha Walkers Canal Walk

John Flynn’s 70th Birthday

Knockbeg College Tractor Run

Lawlors Butchers Rathmines

The Brogan Family Mini Marathon

Other golf events held in aid of The Friends of St Luke’s.


Bryan Shepherd Golf Classic

Elm Green Golf Club ladies Pink Day

Javelins For Dara

Westmanstown Golf Club Ladies Section

Elm Green

Friends Of Mick Cullen Golf Classic, Naas

Javelins For Dara, Golf Classic Woodbrook

Winners Of Mick Cullen Golf Classic, Naas Golf Club


Well done to Pat Nolan for organising a very successful Vintage Run around Bagenalstown, Newtown and Fenagh, Carlow.

Bawnboy Community Festival and election of Lord Mayor 1st -5th August 2012.

Ferns Friends of St Luke’s Charity Sportive.

Over 200 cyclists took part in the charity sportive organised by Ger Leacy, his family and friends. Some did the long cycle 100k and others opted for the 60k route. Well done to all for raising €12,500 for the Friends.


Sincere thanks to the Judge Family for raising €38,000 through their nationwide collections in 2011.

Betty Murphy Mini Marathon

Kevin Bushe, Great Ireland Run

Lusk Charity 5-A-Side

Fr Gerry & Colm Hudson Beard Shave

Kilkenny Fire And Ambulance Service

Macra Na Feirme

Joan Murphy And John Coller

Liam Kelly

Maggie Igoe & Theresa Kelly Mem Fund, Bonniconlon


Mary Brennan Afternoon Tea Dance

Rose Healy Ceili NavanPauline Whittington Memorial Fund

Rose Ward Coffee Morning Tullow Carlow

Murdocks Builders Merchants

Trim Raft Race St Patricks Day 2012 Trixie & Marie Poker Classic, Tallenstown

PJ and Kathleen McGarry

Navan Cosmos Football Club

Mr G’s Colum Gallen Ballybofey


East Coast Roosters Circuit of Ireland Motorcycle Run

Rathkenny Charity Walkers Sheila Hoey And Committee, Rathkenny Charity Walkers

Thanks to Lee, Mark and all the members of the Roosters Motorcycle club for another successful circuit of Ireland run in 2012.

Meath, Cavan, Monaghan, Friends Of St Lukes Mellick Maidens, Mountmellick Nom-Con


Julianne Ryan, 5k Run, Athlone

Sheila, Philip And Lodge Reunion Group

Stephen Murphy & Paula Kilduff, Dingle Marathon

Swim By Ryan Gallagher In Memory Of Kate

The Humphrie Family, Ringsend Treble R, Macra Na Feirme

Margaret Edwards, Family & Friends, Monasterevin

Marie Mallee, Camino Walk

Patrick Murray DCM


Annual Paddy Cole Concert

Paddy and his band were back in the National Concert Hall on Tuesday 23rd October 2012 and played again to a packed house. Special Guests on the night were The Wolseley Singers from Tullow in Co Carlow and The Celtic Divas.

The event raised €12,000 for the Friends bringing the total raised on this concert since it started in 2001 to over €180,000.

We are most grateful to Paddy and his guests for the wonderful support.


The Gardens at St Luke’s Hospital – a perfect place

to relax and heal. Photos taken by patient, Nigel,

who stayed in Oakland Lodge in Summer 2012.

Sincere thanks to Superquinn, Rathgar, for choosing St Luke’s as their “Charity of the Year”.

Stephen, the friendly butcher, kicked off their fundraising by running the Dublin City

Marathon. Well done Stephen. Events will go on in the store until summer 2013 and during this

time ultimate chocolate biscuit CAKE will be sold with 80 cent from each sale going to St Luke’s.


The Friends Of St Luke’s Team

Deirdre HughesAppeals DirectorTel: 01 406 5036Mobile: 087 231 9728Email: [email protected]

Fiona CampbellFinance & 0ffice MgrTel: 01 406 5012Mobile: 087 279 6629Email: [email protected]@friendsofstlukes.ie

Ger WattEvents Co-OrdinatorTel: 01 406 5314Email: [email protected]

Geraldine StaffordWalks Co-OrdinatorTel: 01 406 5136Mobile: 087 266 4114Email: [email protected]

www.friendsofstlukes.ieFind us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter for updates

YOU CAN HELP THE FRIENDS CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THE ST LUKE’S RADIATION ONCOLOGY NETWORK BY

Donations and Monthly Giving

• You can donate by calling into The Friends Office at St Luke’s Hospital, Rathgar.

• By post or online through our website www.friendsofstlukes.ie

• Or by setting up a monthly standing order through your bank

Organising a Fundraising Event

Why not organise or take part in a fundraising event in aid of The Friends. Events can be anything from a Benefit night in your local pub/club, Mini Marathon, a Coffee Morning in your house, a Table Quiz or Darts match to a Sponsored Walk, Swim or Slim.

Legacies, Shares, Stocks or Properties

Many people see their will as an opportunity to make a special and memorable gesture. Naturally, your first concerns will be to ensure that your family and loved ones are properly provided for. No legacy made to The Friends of St Luke’s is too small and can help us continue to support St Luke’s Radiation Oncology Network.

Donate for a Special Occasion

Instead of receiving unwanted gifts for your Birthday, Wedding or Anniversary, why not ask your friends and family to donate to The Friends instead?

St Luke’s Bluebell Garden

You can help us create our Bluebell Garden at St Luke’s Hospital, Rathgar by purchasing a BLUEBELL for €5 through our website. Each Bluebell can be dedicated to your loved one or as a thank you to staff at St Luke’s, who looked after you or your loved one through their cancer journey.

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