Record-Breaking €114,591 Raised for Galway Hospice During Sunflower Days 2025

Every Euro Raised Locally Stays Locally — Supporting Specialist Palliative Care for People in Galway

Galway Hospice is deeply grateful to the people of Galway for their overwhelming support during this year’s Hospice Sunflower Days campaign, held on Friday 6th and Saturday 7th June 2025. Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of the public and the dedication of over 500 volunteers, the campaign raised €114,591.88 — the largest collection in the 35-year history of the campaign in Galway to support specialist palliative care services in Galway.

Over two days, volunteers took to the streets across towns and villages to sell sunflower pins and merchandise, while many others donated online at www.galwayhospice.ie. More than 70 collection points were active throughout Galway city and county, including Athenry, Inis Mór, Ballinasloe, Barna, Clifden, Craughwell, Gort, Furbo, Loughrea, Moycullen, Mountbellew, Portumna, Spiddal, and Tuam. Local schools also joined in by hosting Sunflower Fun Days, where children planted sunflower seeds provided by Galway Hospice.

Several companies generously contributed staff as volunteers, including Medtronic and RSA Insurance, and Galway Hospice extends a heartfelt thank you to the staff of local stores who facilitate these collections every year.

Speaking after the campaign, Mary Nash, CEO of Galway Hospice, said:

“We are so moved by the kindness and commitment shown by everyone who supported this year’s Sunflower Days. This is a powerful reminder that palliative care is about more than just medical support — it’s about community. It shows how deeply rooted Galway Hospice is in the lives of our neighbours, friends, and families. Every euro raised locally stays locally, helping us continue to care for people when they need it most — and we are truly grateful for that support.”

How the Funds Will Be Used

The funds raised will directly support services that go beyond basic medical care — helping Galway Hospice to make every moment matter for patients and families. This includes:

• Delivering holistic therapies such as music therapy, art therapy, and aromatherapy, which bring comfort and dignity to patients in both hospice and home settings.
• Providing bereavement support through one-to-one counselling, group services, and initiatives like the Walk & Talk group in Barna and the monthly drop-in Bereavement Café in Galway City.
• Planning and developing a new hospice to meet growing demand and reduce pressure on our local acute hospitals in Galway.

Last year, Galway Hospice supported 1,266 patients and their families. This included 308 patients in the Inpatient Unit, 974 in the community, and 581 attendances at the Day Care service. Galway Hospice was involved in the care of 78% of people in Galway who died with a malignant diagnosis. None of this would be possible without the kindness of those who donate and the dedication of more than 160 volunteers who give their time to support the hospice.

The funds raised during Sunflower Days play a vital role in supporting the delivery of specialist palliative care in communities across Ireland. Hospice and specialist palliative homecare services provide free-of-charge care and support to those living with a life-limiting illness, whilst also helping and supporting the patient’s family members.