Hayward House Hospice Visit

Today (26th September) I visited the Hayward house hospice on site of the City hospital campus. It had been five years since I had last been into the hospice, and this was when my granddad had cancer and was being looked after there.

Some of the staff were the same as they were five years ago, and walking into the hospice brought back many memories, both happy and sad. Soon after getting to the hospice I was chatting away to some of the patients in the day care centre. They were truly inspirational people who didn't seem to let the fact they had cancer get them down. Whilst chatting to me they told me about their adventures during their lives, their families and friends and all sorts of other things - one gentleman even telling me he was always in trouble with his wife!! haha :-)

I preformed three short Irish dances for them - two in soft shoes and one in heavys, which the patients all seemed to enjoy, however I was in a long dress and the floor was laminate so I thought I was going to fall over - which wouldn't have looked sophisticated! But luckily I didn't. I was then given a nice cup of tea while I spent time chatting some more to some of the patients and looked at some of the items they had made during the day. They all asked if I would go back soon, and I really hope I do get to.

Going into the hospice makes you realise just how lucky you are, and to grasp every moment and opportunity with everything you have. I left feeling emotional, but was also so honoured to have been able to spend time with them and feel like I had improved their day slightly.

I thank Elaine from Hayward House for inviting me, and I am hoping to do some more fundraising throughout the year for Hayward house, to help to keep this incredible hospice open and supporting people through their cancer battle.

 With some of the Patients from Hayward House

The Oliver Begley memorial day

On the 7th September I attended the annual Oliver Begley memorial day, in which funds are raised for Hayward house hospice in the grounds of the City Hospital, Nottingham.

There were lots of different stalls involved, including a cake sale, raffle, card stall and a beauty and jewellery stall. As well as lots of children's games, such as shoot the goalie, bungie runs and bouncy castles. The main event for me was probably watching the gaelic football teams battle it out for the memorial trophy which was brilliant to watch, and showed how great even the youngsters of our local GAA teams really are. There was also a tug of war competition in which I couldn't say no to taking part in - and the St. Barnabas ladies team won (which I was part of) which made great fun.

A bar and BBQ was also put on and an ice cream van was there because it was boiling hot, the Begley's must have pre-booked the weather :-) I think everyone who attended, including myself, had a fantastic day raising money for a fantastic cause!!
Well done to everyone that helped organise the event, and thank you so much for inviting me!

 Children from the Gaelic football teams doing the tug of war

Tralee - International Rose Festival 2013

The Tralee international festival began 14^th august, and I arrived on the 18^th. I had to catch four planes for the round trip, and to say I’m not the keenest flyer I think I did a pretty good job! I cannot describe to you the few days I spent in Ireland for the international festival, because in order for you to feel the atmosphere you’d really have to be there. I arrived on Sunday lunchtime and met my roommate Donna at the door, then the Sligo roses from 2012 and 2013 came later Sunday night. Monday and Tuesday held the two selection nights which were great fun! All the roses looked beautiful on stage and did a great job – and I definitely wished I was up there among them, however on the other hand it was nice to just go and relax – and even got onto international TV both nights! Woo J Each night after the selection nights and rose receptions we headed to the Abbey Gate hotel bar which was fab! All the regional roses were in there along with the centres and escorts and no one got home before the sun came out!! Tuesday there was also an international rose BBQ in which I was lucky enough to get to attend, the food was incredible and it was lovely to catch up with all the different centres I hadn’t seen since Portlaoise! So many of them were still complimenting my time in Portlaoise and for that I was so grateful! I’m amazed at how many new friends the rose experience has given me already, and after an unbelievable few days I’m already excited for all the reunions to kick off, although the first thing I did when I got home was hit the pillow. If you ever get the opportunity to go to Tralee though do – because I can guarantee you’ll have the time of your life!!

 Sunday night - ready for Abbeygate

 Sunday night with the girls

The first night in the dome

 

Leicester Racecourse annual family fun day

I was honoured to be invited to Leicester racecourse for their fun day. It was to be my first time at a race horse event, normally I’d be sat watching on TV, and I had an incredible time. There were lots of stalls, a fun fair, performances by ‘Bjorn again’ and Peter Andre and of course the racing. Everybody at Leicester was so friendly, and welcoming to me. They even interviewed me and put it on the big screens where Peter Andre was later interviewed too, making me feel like a celeb haha! Unfortuntatley I don’t have the skills when it comes to backing the horses though, somehow placing a bid and only winning 85p once the horse won!! Not really sure what happened there.  The on-site food was delicious and I would definitely recommend anyone to go to Leicester. It’s in a great location and is a brilliant family orientated day out with lots of fun!! Thank you Leicester!!

Rainbow's Children and Young people's hospice.

On 1^st July I visited Rainbows hospice in Loughborough. It was an incredibly humbling experience, learning about how the hospice treats each different child as an individual and how they support the whole family not just the child with the illness. The hospice had a hydrotherapy pool, sensory room, soft play area, computer room as well as much more. I had a tour of the hospice by Caroline who was showing me just where people’s donations go to, and I can honestly say that it is definitely a worthwhile charity. It costs £4 million a year to run the hospice and this is mostly down to people's donations.

The hospice also had a beautiful garden with slides and swings that were adapted to be able to have wheelchairs on them. Rainbow’s was a happy and relaxed place and a place that I will always be grateful of having the opportunity to visit. I was able to give in donations from collections I had done as well as activity pack sweets and chocolates which I know the children will be grateful for, and so I thank everybody who donated to make this possible and I hope to visit again later in the year. If you would like to donate to Rainbow’s you can either do so through their website or on just giving. Thank you J

http://www.rainbows.co.uk/

Collecting money for Rainbows

 



 

During my visit to Rainbows

 

St Barnabas Got Talent 2013.

 

I was incredibly lucky to be asked to judge at the annual St Barnabas Got Talent competition. The night was a blast with 10 acts taking part, ranging from singers to a comedy act by the ‘barnababes’. Along with Martin Dowd and Paul Reddington we made up the judging panel who commented after each performance and then there was an audience vote for this year’s winner. Ultimately it was Erin Thompson who won after a fantastic performance singing and playing the guitar.

I had a fantastic time and would like to thank Oonagh Mead for inviting me to the night and for all her hard work organising. Well done to all of the entrants and to Erin for winning the night. Hopefully St Barnabas will have raised some well-deserved funds from an entertaining and enjoyable night! J

 With the St Barnabas winners!

 With the other Judges and compere Nicola

Family Support for the night :-)

Portlaoise Regional Finals Video

Check out my time in Portlaoise!

Portlaoise - Rose of Tralee Regional Finals!!

Portlaoise Regional Finals 29.5.13 to 3.6.13

It’s hard to put into words the amazing experience I had during my time in Portlaoise. It all started at 5am on Wednesday morning when we finished packing the dresses into the car and set off for the Ferry. A smooth journey over to Portlaoise meant we got to the Heritage Hotel at about 4pm, just enough time to chill for an hour with my roommate Shannon, from Toronto, Canada, and then get ready for the first night. We were instantly treated like princesses being given beautiful jewellery pieces from Newbridge, then champagne and a beautiful dinner from the Maldron Hotel. The first night was spent just with International Roses, as Irish roses would join us on Thursday, and we spent the night singing and dancing away – a great way to get to know one another.

 

Thursday saw the Irish roses join us and wow did the noise increase. 63 roses in one room definitely made everyone know we had hit Portlaoise! First we visited ‘Educate Together’ a beautiful school in the heart of Portlaoise with children from all around the world. The school sang songs to us and put on a fabulous spread of cakes and sushi. It was great to get to meet the children from Portlaoise and hear what was important to them and what they loved most about their home town. We then went on to meet local businesses around Portlaoise, who were so kind in giving us gifts, we got a selection of make-up and toiletries from the pharmacy and a beautiful flower each from the flower shop, but again it was such a pleasure to meet with the people of Portlaoise and hear why they loved the Rose of Tralee so much and why they loved having it in their town. Thursday evening we went to the street party in the Civic Plaza. It was great to see so many local children come out to dance on the cobbled street with all of us roses. A great night was had but by the end of it my feet killed!! We then finished off the night by visiting pubs that we had been twinned with. It was lovely to feel so welcomed by ‘De Brun’ – they had even put our photos up in their window. The roses selected to go to ‘De Brun’ along with myself were greated by a local band who sang songs for us all night, and we were provided with drinks and food all night too! I was happy to climb into bed by 2am after soaking my feet in freezing water!!

 

Friday came round and again a busy day was scheduled in for us! The day started with a beautiful traditional Irish Breakfast, which I really enjoyed. Then I met the judges for my individual interview – which I felt went really well, they were really friendly and it was more of a get to know you chat than a serious interview. We then met the 2012 International Rose of Tralee Nicola McEvoy which was a fantastic experience and opportunity and I remember standing watching everyone making a massive fuss over her thinking wow imagine how that must feel. She told us about her incredible travels around the world, including going to meet President Obama!! We then left to go to MDA – a museum of embroidery and lace work which began in the heart of Portlaoise, they even had made white on white wedding dresses, they were simple but so elegant and beautiful. We left MDA to come back for dinner at the Heritage and then we went to the civic plaza for the opening ceremony. We were given beautiful roses by our rose buds and then heard speeches and a lot of balloons were released to mark the start of the regional finals and the gathering as a whole. Again so many local people came out to support us, and met us for a reception afterwards. Family also joined us which was great to see them giving their support! After we returned from the opening ceremony we help a rose bud party for all the young girls coming to the finals, they danced the afternoon away and we all had a fantastic time! The little girls were inspirational and so full of awe for what we were doing, most wanted to be roses when they were older, which was lovely! After the rose bud party we began getting ready for the first of the three selection nights. The selection night went so well, girls kept us entertained and put on a brilliant show.

 

 

Saturday was probably my favourite day for the day-time events. In the morning the group interviews began, we had to talk about three topics for around ten minutes each. We spoke about topics ranging from immigration to our favourite thing about ourselves. After the group interviews we had the morning to relax – except some of the girls who went to a football tournament! We then all met up for dinner at the maldron hotel and then went into Portlaoise where there was a Gordon Bennet Vintage Car Parade held for us! I was so lucky to get a beautiful British racing green coloured Bentley! Along with my rosebud and another little rosebud we drove all round the streets of Portlaoise, getting greeted by all the locals and my lovely family who had made banners and were all stood at the side of the road waving them and shouting as we drove by! After this we had a disco in the civic plaza where again all the local children took part, which was a lovely event. I was still overwhelmed by how many children were so excited for all of us Roses to be there, and there was such an incredible atmosphere. We then went on to our Twinned Pubs – so back to the lovely De Brun for me – all my family joined and we had a lovely afternoon chatting away and getting closer friends with the other roses, centres and their families. The pub were so supportive of us being there and always greeted us with drinks and nibbles! Saturday night held the second selection night, again it was really enjoyable and entertaining, and I didn’t stop laughing the whole way through! It was beginning to get clear just how incredible each different rose was and the incredible achievements they all had!

 

 

Sunday was the final day of the regional finals, and everyone was beginning to feel sad that it was coming to an end, the week had flown by! We started off by going to Mass, and had a beautiful service where the church children had given us lovely cards with well wishes and good luck messages. It was so kind to be welcomed into their church community in this way. As we were leaving church the whole congregation stood and clapped for us all as we left, which again left me feeling emotional at just how much support was given to us! We left church and walked just down the road to Dove House, who took us round their beautiful gardens and maze – although we didn’t get round the whole thing as it didn’t take us long to get lost! We left Dove house to go to a local hospital, and we met some lovely Patients who were so welcoming to us. They told me about their life stories and where abouts in Ireland they came from – one lady even knowing my family - such a small world! It was a great experience, as I love listening to the elderly as I am always so inspired by their stories! After the hospital we were again back on the coach, this time to the beautiful Castle Durrow, where we had photos in the gorgeous gardens, with champagne on entry! We then had an amazing three course meal, which left me completely stuffed and the dessert was definitely my favourite of the week! It was nice to get to sit and have a meal with all the roses, judges and centres in such a beautiful setting. From Castle Durrow it was back to the Heritage to get ready for the final selection night – my night. I had my hair and make-up done for me by the amazing powder room girls which was such a lovely treat, and the girls were extremely talented. I had an incredible time on stage, laughing and joking with Daithi and performing an Irish slip jig to the band. The audience and other roses were so supportive and made the night so relaxed. After all the roses had been on stage we watched a fabulous performance of Irish Dancing by a professional troup, and then heard speeches from the Rose of Tralee organisers and 2012 Rose of Tralee Nicola McEvoy. It was inspiring to hear how much she had done with her year, as well as working full time still, and definitely gave me ideas of things I want to do during my year as the Nottingham Rose.

 

 

 

I had the most unbelievable time and it is definitely one I will never forget. I have met some of the most amazing, beautiful girls that I can now call some of my best friends and nothing can beat that!

Hayward House Benefit Dance

11^th May held the Hayward House benefit dance. A dance to raise money for the hospice which is situated within the City Hospital grounds. There was a Raffle, Auction of Promises, music by Ged Dowling, an Irish dance performance by myself and lots of dancing by all who attended. Although there was a slow start in attendees it seemed to pick up as the night went on and there was a great atmosphere by the end of the evening. £1200 was raised for Hayward House, a charity that is very close to my heart, and I was delighted to be asked to attend as the Nottingham Rose, so I wish to thank Mary for inviting me and for organising the evening.

BBC Radio Nottingham

On the 24th April, myself and Martin went along to BBC radio Nottingham to talk to Gareth Evans about being selected as the Nottingham Rose and what the year would bring. It was my first time on the radio, and I was so nervous, but it was so relaxed and I had a great time laughing along with Martin and Gareth. It was incredible to have so much support from the radio, especially with being the first time in 13 years to hold the rose selection night. Everyone I met in the Radio was so kind and supportive and it was made to be an experience I wont forget. Thanks Gareth :-)

 

Nottingham Rose Selection Night

Wow, what a night! Excellent organisation by Martin Dowd, Nicola Lynch and Niamh Mc Tague provided an entertaining and interesting night for all. There were eight of us taking part: Myself, Mag Hilliard, Clionadh O’Connor, Bernadette Grandfield, Vicky Henry, Katrina Crosby, Claire Donaghy and Laura Seaton. The interviews on stage flowed really well and seemed to catch the audience’s attention and there were three of us who did talent sections, Clionadh on the Fiddle and me and Mag Irish dancing.

It took the Judges over an hour and a half to decide but whilst they did there was a fabulous performance by ‘The full Shebang’ and after music and a disco by Ged Dowling. I couldn’t believe it when I heard I had won as all the other girls had provided brilliant interviews and were so lovely. I would like to thank the Judges: Mary Murphy, Paul Curtis and the Irish Post editor Siobhan Breatnach for choosing me as the Nottingham Rose, as well as the organisers and MG Renewables for Sponsoring me. I wish to also thank my family for the amazing support they showed for me on the night, as without them it would not have been possible. I am delighted to have been given the honour of being the Nottingham Rose and I hope I make Nottingham Proud throughout the year, especially during my time in Portlaoise!