Butterfly Wings hosts 6th Annual Butterfly Ball on Patrick’s Night in Fota Island Resort

Butterfly Wings hosts 6^th Annual Butterfly Ball on Patrick’s Night in Fota Island Resort

Butterfly Wings launched its 6^th annual Butterfly Ball in aid of the Irish Cancer Society’s Night Nurse Programme on Thursday, in the luxurious surrounds of the Fota Island Resort with Jane O’ Connor (Cobh Community Rose) and Niamh Cadogan (Cobh Regatta Queen).  Both girls wore dresses from the Princess Rooms Cobh and head pieces from Velvet Bow, two long term supporters of the charity.

Cancer is a disease that touches us all and this charity was set up six years ago by the Cotter family after the death of their sister/ aunt.  It was a way to celebrate the vibrant life she lead and the hard battle she fought, and from that stemmed the Butterfly Ball.  The ball raises money specifically for the Night Nurse Programme of the Irish Cancer Society.

Trish Carlos, from the Butterfly Wings Committee commented “Cancer is a disease that unfortunately touches all our lives, no matter who you are or whether we are in a recession or not. It’s a devastating disease and part of the ethos of our charity is providing the best support for cancer patients and their family.  The ball is our way of raising money to help the Irish Cancer Society with the invaluable work they do. They provide a Night Nursing service for critically ill patients with cancer in their home. This service is vital to relieve the difficulties that families experience during this time. Night Nursing allows the patient to remain at home, thereby maintaining the continuity of care that the patient has experienced, surrounded by their family and supported by the home care team. Night Nurses sit with the patient through the night, providing nursing care, practical support and reassurance. The Night Nursing service has now been extended to cover patients with cancer during stages other than terminal illness e.g. respites care. This allows the family time to rest and take a break from their very demanding caring role. The service is free of charge.  This year more so than any year your help is needed, we don’t stop needing help just because there is a recession.”

Rose O’ Dea of the Irish Cancer Society says “We have 65 nurses on our books covering the Munster area. From 2009 – 2010 the night nursing department provided 2548 nights of care to the Munster area. With an average cost at €350 p/night the total amount spent on nights of care is €891,800.”

 Even in the recession last year’s ball was a great success and a cheque for over €11,000 was presented to Rose.  We are hoping to do as well this year.

This year the Butterfly Ball takes place on Saturday17^th March in the beautiful surroundings of the Fota Island Resort. The night promises to be a great way to celebrate our national holiday with a trad band playing at the drinks reception and many more Irish influenced surprises.  The event will be as always an extravaganza of glitz, glamour and sophistication.  The night will commence with a drinks reception at 7.30pm followed by a sumptuous dinner, an auction, raffle and a long night of music and craic.  Music this year is provided by the Cobh based band; The Big Band who will keep you on your feet and for the young at heart they are followed by a DJ.

Tickets are €80 and can be purchased from any committee member or by contacting them on the following numbers: 021 4814172 or 086 3779948.  You can also email butterflyswing@gmail.com

 For more information on Butterfly Wings (the charity) or to get involved contact:

butterflyswing@gmail.com or friend us on facebook