Four year old Megan Malone has beaten her rare condition after nine months of treatment in New York and Boston hospitals, despite being given little chance of survival in Ireland
Accompanied by her parents John and Sheila, and siblings Dylan (5), Chloe (7) and Tristan (1), Megan arrived home at Kilnamartyra in County Cork, on Saturday
Extensive fundraising both here in Clare and in Cork got underway and the Malones moved to New York last December where she was accepted for a specialist programme of treatment called ‘Head Start’ at the city’s Presbyterian Hospital
We spoke with John in April when it was reported that four months after the treatment, MRI scans reveal the main tumour in Megan’s brain had gone completely, much to the amazement of doctors while the tumours on the little girls spine have almost cleared
On Wednesday’s Morning Focus Megan’s father and Ballyalla native John spoke with John Cooke
The Samaritans have had a branch in Clare for almost 30 years and they offer confidential emotional support to the public, from their base on the Kilrush Road in Ennis
The local branch of the charity is about to recruit new volunteers, and will be holding information/selection meetings at the Old Ground Hotel tomorrow night and Saturday night
Branch director Gerry Dobbin said that becoming a Samaritans volunteer allows a person to develop new and valuable personal skills
Gerry Dobbins, Director of Clare Samaritans and Bridget, an Ennis Clare Volunteer who recently completed her six month probation, joined John in studio to speak about the type of work they do and encourage people to volunteer, or if they need assistance to call the number.
This is Suicide Awareness Week
Contact The Samaritans 1850 60 90 90
www.clare.fm poll
How do you think the government can help struggling mortgage holders?
• Debt Forgiveness for some?
• Higher Mortgage Interest Relief?
• Shared Equity Schemes
• Rent Back Schemes
• Other
The FBD Clare Business Excellence Awards Ceremony will take place on Friday, the 30th of September in the Auburn Lodge Hotel, Ennis and will combine with the Ennis Chamber President’s Dinner for 2011
In the weeks leading up to finale night when the winners will be announced, the finalists will be have short film clips recorded for showcasing at the Awards Ceremony
John Dillane, President Ennis Chamber of Commerce and Ide O’Keeffe, Area Manager with FBD Insurance joined John in studio
Super Tuesday took place yesterday
Members of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation at Limerick regional hospital have voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action
The staff, based in the Emergency Department, had held the vote amid the growing problem of overcrowding at the hospital
Meetings are being held with the HSE on the matter this afternoon, but the INMO says if no resolution is found, then they’re likely to service notice of industrial action
Mary Fogarty, INMO Midwest Spokesperson, spoke with John.
The Declan Hayes Memorial and Doonbeg Half Marathon/ 10k fun run takes place this Saturday
Declan Hayes died in a motorbike accident almost a year ago
So far over a hundred participants have signed up
In aid of Clare Autism, Solas (suicide Bereavement for parents) and Dun Laoghaire Rehabilitation Centre
Closing date for entries is tomorrow www.runireland.com
Michael O’Doherty, Chairperson of the Declan Hayes Memorial Committee spoke with John and Lily O’Donoghue of Voices for Autism Clare spoke about how some of the funds raised will go towards their pilot programme. Donate to AIB Kilrush- 09142013. Sort Code 935425
Paul Wolfe of the Clare Citizens’ Information Service answered listeners’ consumer and employment law and social welfare enitilement queries.
If you have a story, comment or query for the Morning Focus team email [email protected]
