A Leitrim woman has been recognised with a national award for her unwavering dedication to supporting North West Hospice over almost three decades. 
 
Anna Maxwell, from Carrickmakeegan, Ballinamore, was recently presented with a Together for Hospice National Super Host Award in recognition of her commitment to hosting Ireland’s Biggest Coffee Morning for Hospice for nearly 30 years.
 
The award was presented during a special ceremony at St Francis Hospice in Blanchardstown, Dublin. 
 
Anna’s annual coffee morning in aid of North West Hospice, which supports people and families living with life-limiting conditions across Sligo, Leitrim, South Donegal and West Cavan, attracts around 60 people each year. 
 
Many more supporters also contribute through donations both before and after the event.
 
“I started hosting in 1997 because I knew of other people that were sick in the parish and surrounding area and wanted to help,” said Anna.
 
“My husband, Thomas Maxwell, passed away at the young age of just 34 in 1981, so then it was just myself and our son, Barry. 
 
“He wasn’t in hospice but with all that and different experiences with family, it was on my mind to help. 
 
“Hospice support is a great thing to have and to know it’s there – to give us help if we ever should need it. You just never know if you or someone you love will need it.”
 
This year’s event will hold special meaning for Anna as she remembers her close friend Peggy, who volunteered alongside her for many years and sadly passed away last year.
 
“Peggy was my friend since the ‘80s – she lived around the corner and was around my age,” she said.
 
“She was a volunteer and a great helper to me always during the coffee mornings. 
 
“She really helped me out and always enjoyed coming and was anxious to keep it going. 
 
“She wasn’t well the past few years but I’ll especially miss her this year, since it will be the first coffee morning since she’s gone.”
 
Mary Horkan, Fundraising & Communications Manager North West Hospice Charity said: “Ireland’s Biggest Coffee Morning for Hospice is one of our longest-running and most cherished fundraising events.
 
“Now in its 34th year, it continues to bring communities together in support of local Hospice services thanks to wonderful hosts like Anna.
 
“Every coffee morning hosted, every cup poured and every donation made helps us continue enhance and develop specialist palliative care services and provide supports to patients and families across the North West. 
 
“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who supports this event each year. 
 
“Whether you host a coffee morning, attend an event or make a donation, you are helping local families at a time when care, compassion and support matter most.”
 
Register to host a coffee morning on Thursday, September 24 – or on a date that suits – at northwesthospice.ie or calling the office on Wine Street. 
 
Those who cannot host or attend a coffee morning, can donate at: hospicecoffeemorning.ie/donate