Family raises over €8K for Temple Street Hospital

A Cootehill family whose son received emergency brain surgery in January has hosted a fundraiser to raise money for Temple Street Hospital.

Jamie Patterson was just three years old when he fell earlier this year, hitting his head on tiled floors in his home. He was rushed to Temple Street Hospital where he received an emergency brain operation.

To show their appreciation, his parents, Ian and Vanessa arranged a fundraiser - a motorbike run. It raised €8,150, with over 170 motorbikes taking part.

“The work CHI at Temple Street does is nothing short of amazing and we know there are many families across the country that will continue to benefit from their expertise and high level of care. We are so grateful to have the opportunity to give a little bit back just as a small token of our appreciation,” said Vanessa.

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She spoke highly of staff at the children’s hospital, to whom she feels she owes so much.

“Outstanding, there’s no other way of describing it. This is something they do very single day and that’s what they say - we’re just doing our job. To them it’s just like they’re going into work and they’re taking it in their stride but I don’t know if they ever can realise what they’re doing and the impact it has on families. Even though it’s just their job, it changes the course of so many lives... Things could have been so much different if Jamie hadn’t of received the expert care that he did.”

The Pattersons weren’t anticipating the vast number of bikes that turned up in late August at Argue’s filling station in Cootehill.

“The turnout was amazing. We had over 170 motorbikes on the day. Registration was how we raised the funds and then people who were in the local community also donated.

“It exceeded our expectations...To raise a thousand or two thousand would have been amazing, but the fact that we had such a big turnout and also the generosity of the locals and local businesses as well. It was a lovely day because you could really feel that everybody was there in support of not only our family, but the cause itself.”

Of course, Jamie, now four, and his older brother Max (7) were also in attendance, with important jobs to do.

“They had a little collection bucket and a high viz vest on so himself and Max were the stars of the show.”

The brothers were also in charge of handing out treats to the bikers. The family are incredibly grateful not only to Temple Street Hospital, but also Cavan General Hospital, the paramedics and the biker community for their generosity. The fundraiser is still open to donations.

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