Crookett sunflowers raised €11,581 for cystic fibrosis
Representatives from the Cystic Fibrosis Unit at St Vincent's Hospital with the cheque from Sunflowers at Crookett
FOR a fourth consecutive year, an acre of sunflowers on the Crookett Road helped to raise funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Unit at St Vincent’s Hospital, Dublin, bringing in €11,581.42.
Over three weekends in August, Philip Dunne and his family opened the gates to their sunflower field on the Crookett Road in Maganey, where members of the public could make a donation before heading into the rows of sunflowers to cut their own blooms. The flowers were then arranged into a gorgeous bouquet for visitors to take home.
Neighbours Marion, Lily, Helen, Maria and Michael again supported the fundraiser and were on hand to welcome visitors, collect donations and arrange the sunflowers into bouquets.
Another local, Brendan Pitman, provided all the signage, while Walter Webb of Hygee Coffee was on hand to provide drinks and treats over the three weekends.
The idea of planting sunflowers to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Unit at St Vincent’s Hospital, Dublin was first put to Philip Dunne by his friend Elaine Bulmer, a pharmacy technician, four years ago. Since Elaine made the suggestion, over €40,000 has been raised for the unit.
“On behalf of myself and Elaine, we want to thank everyone for their continued support and generosity,” said Philip, who was first diagnosed with cystic fibrosis as a 25-year-old.
“I would also like to thank all my own family for their help and support. Special thanks to Jo Doyle, a cystic fibrosis nurse, for calling to see us again this year and also to our neighbours and friends and anyone who helped to make it a success,” Philip added.
