A Killiney family have thanked Purple House Cancer Support for helping them through the sad loss of their husband and dad.
Declan sadly passed away from cancer in April 2017, and his children Juliet (11) and Dan (8) and his wife all get great support from the charity through counselling and play therapy.
Juliet and Dan’s mam told Dublin Gazette that Declan was a “great dad” and that Purple House has been such a huge support to the family since he passed away.
“We started going there first when Dec was sick and Purple House ran the CLIMB [Children’s Lives Include Moments of Bravery] programme.
“This was really helpful for Juliet and Dan in understanding cancer and what their dad was going through.
“After he died, Purple House has continued to support us through counselling and group work.
“Juliet and Dan attend every week and enjoy their time and the support they receive from purple house.
“It is always fun for them to go there. They are always welcomed with open arms and feel very well supported by everyone there.
“Purple House has enabled us to deal with everything that has happened over the last few years and still remain positive and optimistic.”
Her message to anyone who has lost a loved one to cancer is to talk to someone about how you feel.
“In losing someone to cancer, it’s really important to talk about your feelings and have a safe place where you can express what’s going on.”
Declan’s daughter Juliet is thankful for the support she has received from Purple House since her dad passed away.
“We always know we have people supporting us and that we always have someone to talk to. It’s made me feel very confident.
“I would really recommend this to anyone who is affected by cancer because it’s a really nice place to go,” said Juliet.
Dan, who used to love going to rugby matches with his dad, also loves Purple House because “they’re really nice and they’re sort of like a second home to us.”
Purple House is holding The Purple House Appeal on St Valentine’s Day, Thursday, February 14, in the Dun Laoghaire and surrounding areas.
Now in its third year, people will be able to pick up a Purple Heart pin badge for €2, or Purple House Caring Bears for €5, from their
volunteers in various locations, to help families affected by cancer.
It is the charity’s main fundraising event and they are currently seeking volunteers for their appeal.
If you can help out for an hour or two, contact Purple House on 01-2866966 or info@ purplehouse.ie
