Tap to donate initiative launched for Cork University Hospital Charity

By Maisie Mould

A Cork woman, who is battling multiple sclerosis and a cancer diagnosis, has called for public support for a new Tap-to-Donate initiative for Cork University Hospital Charity.

Diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 22 years ago and cervical cancer nine years ago, Michelle Curran now considers Cork University Hospital to be a “second home” following her two major health setbacks.

She is asking customers of the Kingsley Hotel and Perch Coffee and Wine outlet – where she works as a supervisor – to support services at the Cork University Hospital Wilton campus by tapping their bank cards to make a donation.

Michelle said: “If people can donate something while they are getting a coffee at Perch, or when they’re checking in, or out of, the Kingsley, it can help improve services at CUH for everyone who needs them.”

Michelle described the care she has received at CUH as being “instrumental” in improving her quality of life.

Having worked in the Leeside hospitality sector for over 30 years, she has now gone back to working four days a week.

“It takes its toll,”Michelle said, “instead of going three steps forward, I sometimes feel I’m going three steps back.”

Fiona Twomey, Director of Sales and Marketing at The Kingsley, said the hotel was delighted to host the charity’s first tap-to-donate points.

Fiona said: “We felt it was right to do this and support the charity because we see so many people staying with us who are being treated at the hospital.”

Michelle is set to return to the hospital in next month in order to discuss a new treatment plan, continuing to face her illnesses with “remarkable resilience”.

Michelle concluded: “You get a deck of cards, you pick one and that’s the way things are for the rest of your life. You get on with it. You have to fight it every day.”

The two Tap-to-Donate points are located at the Kingsley Hotel’s reception and at the tills of Perch Coffee and Wine.

See cuhcharity.ie.