Fionnuala’s taking a big jump for St Luke’s

Fionnuala Keane is doing a sky dive to raise money for St Luke’s Hospice in memory of her mother-in-law, Mary

For over a year, Mary Keane battled a long and difficult illness, spending much of that time in and out of hospital as her health steadily declined.

In February, she was admitted to St Luke’s Hospice, where she received specialist care and compassionate support during the final weeks of her life. She spent just over four weeks there before passing away peacefully earlier this year.

“It was scary. It was daunting. It was eye-opening,” said her daughter-in-law, Fionnuala Keane of the experience.

“I’ve never come across people who care so much about other people, until I came to St Luke’s. The compassion and the care Mary received was second to none.”

Mary, originally from County Kerry, lived in North West London for over 60 years. Towards the end of her life, she lived with persistent pain and battled debilitating nausea.

“That was very difficult to witness,” Fionnuala said.

“But the nurses were always there. They looked after Mary so well. They looked after us, too.”

Mary’s devoted husband, Jimmy, and her son, Michael, visited every day without fail, often staying overnight. Family members also travelled from Ireland to spend precious time with her.

“My father-in-law cared for Mary throughout her illness with incredible love and devotion. When she was admitted to St Luke’s Hospice, it brought him great support and comfort to know she was receiving such compassionate care in her final weeks.”

Inspired by the compassionate care Mary received at St Luke’s Hospice, Fionnuala decided to turn a lifelong ambition into a fundraiser.

On Saturday 29 August, she will take on a tandem skydive to raise money in support of the hospice.

“I’ve always wanted to do a skydive. Some of my brothers have done it and I thought, if they can do it, why can’t I?!

“But I don’t think I would have booked it had I not felt so strongly about a charity. I thought, let’s just go for it. I am utterly terrified, but raising money for such a fantastic cause is spurring me on!”

Fionnuala has already exceeded her original £500 fundraising target, raising more than £1,000 ahead of the jump.

“I’ve never felt so strongly about a charity before.

“I don’t think you’d find another hospice or charity as wonderful as St Luke’s. Simple as that.”

If you would like to support Fionnuala’s skydive and help St Luke’s Hospice continue caring for local families, please donate via her JustGiving page.