PRESS RELEASE
20th October 2009
“AFTER THE RAIN” TRIBUTE EVENING IN AID OF THE IRISH HOSPICE FOUNDATION
Tickets are available for an exciting benefit evening of song, music and dance called “After the Rain” which takes place at the Axis in Ballymun on Tuesday, 17th November at 8pm in an effort to raise much needed funds for the Irish Hospice Foundation (IHF).
The evening will be hosted by Aonghus McAnally and will feature the premiere performance of ‘AFTER THE RAIN’, a musical composition created by Irish composer, Brian Keegan and performed by the quartet Arioso. The concert will also feature such talented performers as violinist Sarah Lane, The Keanettes, singer songwriter Elizabeth Pugh, Tango, Susana Lima and The Alternatives, among others.
The funds raised will be used to support two IHF programmes – the Hospice Friendly Hospitals (HFH) Programme and Children’s Hospice Home Care service.
While most people wish to die at home, the reality is that more than 70% of people die outside their own homes – 40% die in busy acute hospitals. The HFH Programme aims to put hospice principles into hospital practice. It is currently operating in over 40 community and acute hospitals nationwide.
It is estimated that 1,400 Irish children are living with life-limiting illnesses. Every year between 354 and 398 children die. When their time comes, most families want their children to die peacefully in their own homes. The IHF has launched a fundraising campaign to raise a total of €2.25 million over the next three years to develop a Children’s Hospice Home Care service. Under the service, the IHF plans to fund Ireland’s first paediatric palliative care consultant and a network of Children’s Outreach Nurses who provide advice and support to parents and other professionals who are caring for children at home.
Uli Schrettenbrunner who is organising “After the Rain” in association with Axis Theatre stated: “From my work as an Arts in Health Practitioner, I am aware of the benefits of the work of the IHF in many hospitals. Everyone deserves to have a comfortable and dignified death. This benefit evening will support the IHF in its efforts to develop a quality end-of-life service for people of all ages and in all care settings.”
She continued: “I, like many people, have experienced bereavement at different times in my life. I made connections with the Irish Hospice Foundation last year and found their environment to be supportive and nurturing. I hope that by supporting the IHF, I can make a difference in this world on my own door step and ensure that other people get the support they need.”
Tickets for the 8pm event cost €20 and can be booked by contacting Axis on 01-8832100 or www.axis-ballymun.ie or the IHF at 01-679 31 88.
The IHF is a national charity which promotes the hospice philosophy and the development of hospice/palliative care in Ireland. Its vision is a society in which no one should face death or bereavement without the appropriate care and support. Hospice/palliative care involves the total care of patients and their families at the stage in a serious illness where the focus has switched from treatment aimed at cure to ensuring quality of life.
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For more information, please contact:
Caroline Lynch
Communications/Advocacy Manager, The Irish Hospice Foundation
Tel: 087-123 75 86 or 01-679 31 88