A friend's daughter was diagnosed with Germ cell ovarian cancer last November at just 16 years old. The cancer had spread to her stomach and lungs by the time of the diagnosis. 

She continues to receive intensive treatment at the Donal Hollywood Ward at St. James's Hospital in Dublin, with another operation scheduled for the end of this month. 

Her family are so grateful for the amazing work done by the staff during her time there.

In her mother's words, "The Donal Hollywood Ward is a home away from home for patients and family members while they are receiving in-patient cancer treatment. The staff on the ward became family, looking after anything we needed and getting us through the most difficult times. They are dedicated to every part of your treatment and helping you in any way possible. 

There are so many things that the staff would love to do to make every patient's treatment and stay even more comfortable, and that's why fundraising is so important for wards like this."

So, as a thank you to the hospital and its staff, and as a show of support for the family, I took on a sponsored head and beard shave on 22nd May 2021. 

Huge thanks to all those who donated and for the messages of support. 

I will leave the page open for the next week in case anyone else wants to throw in a few quid.

All donations will go directly to the ward through St. James's Hospital Foundation, and will be matched by my employer, Ecclesiastical Insurance. 

Thank you!