Hi my name is Jacinta Kavanagh and here is my story on why Purple House Cancer Support means so much to me.

People often ask me why Purple House means so much to me and why I have chosen it as my charity.  I would describe Purple House as my friend, always there for me when I need them.  I first came involved with Purple House having got cancer myself in 2004, so I know first-hand what it’s like to get the news that every person hates to hear.  When I got diagnosed in 2004 I was frightened and scared but thankfully Purple House was there for me.

My partner Denis got diagnosed with cancer in 2007 and through my experiences with cancer I was able to support him.  Thankfully we are both clear now.  My brother Damien attends the Men’s Group at Purple House, they meet up every Monday morning , Purple House organises a driver to pick him up and drop him home and he loves it.

Fundraising was the way I felt I could give back to Purple House.  Purple House run a Charity Shop on the Main Street in Bray and I volunteer there three days a week.  Also I put together a committee to run a golf classic and we have raised much needed funds over the past 12 years for Purple House.  Due to Covid 19 this year we have had to cancel our Golf Classic so I decided with our walking group “Jacinta’s Sprinters” we would raise funds for Purple House by taking part in this year’s VHI Women’s Virtual Mini Marathon.

So when you need a friend or help, Purple House is always there, they are like my safety net, I feel safe!!  When the tides of life get tough!

Jacinta Kavanagh 

About Purple House Cancer Support

Purple House Cancer Support is to the forefront in providing a range of professional support services to people of all ages affected by Cancer across Ireland.

Our aim is to help rebuild the lives of families affected by Cancer. Purple House is at the heart of the community.

Founded in 1990, Purple House was the first Community based Cancer Support Centre in Ireland and today operates a wide range of support services Nationwide from Purple House at 2 Duncairn Tce, Bray, Co. Wicklow as well as Cancer Support Groups in dlr LexIcon Library Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin.

We support people affected by Cancer Nationwide throughout Ireland through our Telephone Counselling & Psychotherapy Service, Telephone Support Service, Support Groups and Classes through Zoom.

The professional services on offer include counselling & psychotherapy , complimentary therapies, bereavement counselling, services for children & young adults including play therapy, creative arts and one to one support, CLIMB programme for children, camps & workshops for children, hospital transport, health awareness programmes, citizen information advice, Food Cloud meal distribution, Purple House Choir, classes in Yoga and Mindfulness, CheckMeOut.ie health awareness campaigns aimed at 18-30 year olds and more. 

For a full list of services please visit www.purplehouse.ie, or call 01 2866966