A TRALEE woman was honoured by The Mercy University Hospital on Friday for her fundraising efforts for the facility.

Brenda Doody from Curraheen was among the individuals, teams, and fundraising volunteers who go the extra mile for patients and colleagues at The Mercy University Hospital, officially recognised at The Mercy Stars awards night which was held in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Cork.

Brenda was named The Mercy Stars Hero of the Year, recognising her for the marathon challenge she took on earlier this year following her husband Pat’s cancer journey at the Mercy.

In May 2014 Pat was diagnosed by Mr Tom Murphy with oesophageal cancer, and underwent chemotherapy, radiotherapy and had an oesophagectomy.

As a thank you to Consultant Mr Murphy and his team, Brenda committed to running 12 marathons in eight months, starting in March and finishing this October, in order to raise funds for The Mercy.

Today Pat is recovering well and Brenda is coming up to her last marathon having raised a phenomenal €21,000 to date.

The Mercy Stars, organised by the Mercy Hospital Foundation and The Mercy University Hospital, celebrate the people who, through their fundraising efforts, make things a little easier for patients, who help the Foundation invest in new technologies to ensure that The Mercy is at the forefront of the effective diagnosis, treatment and care of Mercy patients.

The awards also recognise the hospital staff, who in the eyes of patients, colleagues, peers and managers, make life better in the Hospital on a day to day basis.

Sponsored by KBC, and supported by Keanes Jewellers and Carry Out Blackpool, The Mercy Stars is one of the most highly anticipated events on the Mercy’s calendar.