Thanks Happy Badger For Paying It Forward

A few weeks ago, I got an email from a lovely Happy Badger but I put it on hold because of Dodgy Back.  When I re-read the email, I was intrigued and then incredibly touched.  Happy Badger isn't an animal who roams through the woods but an entity who wants to spread happiness across the blogosphere.  In return for this blogpost, Happy Badger is going to give £50 (€58) to a charity of my choice.  How could I refuse?

Let me tell you a little bit about my chosen charity:  The Blackrock Hospice provides specialist palliative care to people experiencing the impact of a life-threatening illness, to assist family and caregivers through this experience and to bring solace to those grieving the death of a loved one.  the Blackrock Hospice delivers palliative care through four different services - the inpatient unit, the day hospice, in acute hospital settings and through the homecare team.

As a family, we've had direct experience of how the Blackrock Hospice carries out wonderful work helping patients and family alike.  My beloved father in law Damien died in 2005, just six months after we got married.  His illness was short and swift and we will be forever indebted to the homecare team who were simply amazing in helping my mother in law Valerie to nurse Damien at home.  Eight years on, I still find it very difficult to think about the loving care they gave to all of us without becoming very emotional.  They were simply amazing.

In October last year, my gorgeous cousin Ciara lost her long battle with breast cancer.  It still takes my breath away when I think about all that she went through and again, the hospice services helped her and her family so much.

Happy Badger, thank you so much for your donation.  I know that it will be very much appreciated and will go towards helping other people who need the assistance of the Blackrock Hospice.  It's a fitting tribute to Damien and Ciara.

If you would like to spread the love from the Happy Badger, please click on the badge below and make a difference to your favourite charity.