Mike Bindon’s Story

Supporting charities has always been dear to my heart, and began early in my childhood.

I have fond memories of playing basketball games against the Brothers of Charity teams on their basketball court. My friends and I would cycle together to go and watch films in their picture hall too. The minute I left school at the age of seventeen, I said ‘I want to work there’. As soon as a job came up, I applied, got it, and I never left it. I moved up the ranks from being just a kid and was there all my life, spending over forty years working for them until my retirement six years ago.

During my time there however, in 2009, I was diagnosed with cancer. My case was very lucky, as I got diagnosed at an early stage. It was actually an advert on the television that I spotted one night, recommending that people should have a colonoscopy by a certain age. If I hadn’t seen the advert that night, my life now would have been very different. When I asked my surgeon, he said I would only have had three years to live if I did not get it checked as soon as I did. Thankfully It was over in a flash and I was able to make a full recovery that year.

After that, I went to tell all of my own buddies to get checked too. Men in general are not great at going to doctors, but a little encouragement can go a long way. With my recommendation, two of my friends had a colonoscopy last week and thankfully they were all clear. It is nice to have that peace of mind knowing that they are in good health too.

Needless to say, I am delighted to have lived to tell the tale. I am a big family man, so it was a relief for them too. I have two wonderful children, and this year I became a grandfather to a lovely girl. I have been passionate about sports all my life. I have been President and Grounds Officer of Colga F.C. for the last twenty-eight years and have fundraised for Galway Hospice through the club as a means to support them. Prior to my involvement there, I was also a referee for twenty years in the GAA. On top of that, I do a bit of part time work with builders, and enjoy long cycles, especially in the beautiful woods near my home. All just to keep myself fit.

One of the many highlights of my life was becoming involved in the Special Olympics. I’ve been all over the world with them as a coach for thirty-five years. It was always very close to my heart because seeing the smile on their face when they win something
is so heartwarming. That’s where my love of volunteering really blossomed.

I always said that after my cancer recovery that I’d give something back. I couldn’t think of a better way to do that than volunteer at Galway Hospice. While my involvement in sports keeps me busy in my retirement, the Hospice is always my number one priority. I absolutely love it. The first time I walked through their doors, I couldn’t believe the atmosphere there – it brings joy to everybody. It’s a tough job for staff, but they are still so warm and jolly. They make you feel welcome and there is a smiley face everywhere you go. I also have opportunities to interact with patients and I enjoy sharing jokes with them as I build a bond with them over time. My role involves being on standby to deliver goods for the kitchen, for fundraisers, and to to take blood samples to the hospital labs for analysis.

Getting involved in many of the fundraisers led by both Galway Hospice and the community has really opened up my eyes to the amazing generosity of people. It is unbelievable what people can do when they come together. While it is great to now have extra funding from the HSE, fundraising is still such a core part of keeping the Hospice afloat. Thankfully none of my own family are currently in ill health, but if they ever needed palliative care, I know they would be in good hands with the Galway Hospice.

Volunteering here is a wonderful way to keep a smile on your face. I always go home feeling better than when I came in and becoming a Galway Hospice volunteer is one of the best decisions I have ever made.