Laois Student Latest Inspiration In Midlands Efforts For Regional Hospice

Tuesday, 26 October 2021 13:11

Robin Talbot, Pat Minnock Hooves4Hospice; Pat Lalor, Chairman Hooves4Hospice; Ann Talbot and Ruth Talbot. Pic Jeff Harvey.

She's currently rearing the 500th Hooves4Hospice animal.

A 15 year old Laois student has become the latest inspiration to the Hooves4Hospice campaign.

The high-profile campaign is raising funds to build a Regional Hospice in the midlands - the only area in the country without such a facility.

15 year old Ruth Talbot from Laois wished to use some of her Confirmation gift money for a good cause that would benefit her community

She's donated and is currently rearing the 500th Hooves4Hospice animal.

Sourced in Kilkenny and purchased in Galway, the Friesian heifer is being reared and cared for by Ruth, daughter of Robin and Ann Talbot, and sister of 17 year old Sarah, on the family farm at Coole, Ballacolla.

While preparing for her Confirmation, Ruth, always one to think of others, felt she would like to share her money gifts with some worthwhile cause.

Although the Confirmation was postponed due to Covid from June to December last year, Ruth persevered with her idea and bought the heifer calf with her own money in February last year.

Family friend, Liam Cassin in Kilkenny assisted Ruth in her search for the animal which was purchased from Galway farmer, Noel Nelly.

Support for Ruth and her very generous gesture was also apparent in her community, evidenced by the fact that the local Glanbia store dropped her over some calf feed.

Now her 20 month-old in-calf heifer can be seen grazing in front of the family home.

Last week, Ruth make contact with the Hooves4Hospice office to say that she wished to donate the proceeds of the sale, later this year, to H4H.

"I am aware that the midlands is now the only area in the country which does not have a Regional Hospice and the fact that people currently have to travel to Dublin or further for end of life care.

"So when I heard about Hooves4Hospice I thought it was such a worthwhile project - fundraising to provide a facility that will be there in the future for families and their loved ones in the midlands. So, when I sell my in-calf heifer towards the end of this year, I will be giving the proceeds to H4H", explained Ruth, who added that she hoped other farmers in the area would support the project.

Launched in 2020, over 500 animals are now being reared by farmers participating in the H4H project.

When the animals are reared and sold, the entire proceeds will be donated to the project.

Cash donations from individuals and community groups totalling over €100,000 have also been received.

The target with everybody’s support is to raise €1 million towards the building costs of the Midland Regional Hospice.