A worthy night for Phil
A Blarney man is holding a fundraiser in memory of his late wife.
Phil Greene passed away in the Mercy University Hospital on 10 May 2018 after being diagnosed with encephalitis the previous October.
Phil's husband of 46 years, Tom, along with their children Gillian and Garret, will host the event on the anniversary of Phil's death, 10 May at Blarney Castle Hotel.
As well as fundraising, the Greenes are also hoping to highlight encephalitis, which is an inflammation of the brain, and the importance of receiving an early diagnosis for the condition.
Encephalitis often causes only mild flu-like signs and symptoms, such as a fever or headache, or sometimes no symptoms at all. It can also often be mistaken for a stroke with an early diagnosis being key to a patient's recovery with a lumber puncture key to diagnosis.
Phil was admitted to MUH after having flu-like symptoms for a number of days and she was then diagnosed with encephalitis. She spent six months in MUH in what Tom describes as the wonderful care of the ICU nurses and doctors.
"Phil woke that morning before she was admitted," says Tom, "and was having issues with her speech so it was then that we drove to the Mercy. The staff there were amazing and now that it's coming up to Phil's one year anniversary, I wanted to do something for the ICU ward because they were so good to us and showed so much care to Phil during her time there."
The fundraising event will see the Cór Geal Choir perform on the night, which Phil was a member of for eight years, while there will also be entertainment provided by Dave Murphy, Barry Looney and a trad band will also add to what is set to be a fabulous night in Blarney.
"We are raising funds," says Tom, "to put towards a clinical wheelchair for the ICU. A clinical wheelchair is vital for those that need it but are very costly so anything we do raise will go towards that. We are deeply grateful to those who has and who will be donating."
Tickets for the fundraising event are priced at €25 each or €40 for two and can be bought on the night. Donations are also being accepted toward's the fund locally. The event will start at 8pm and more information can be found on the Facebook page 'Mercy Fund Phil'. All are welcome with food and spot prizes also up for grabs on the night.