By Michelle Crean

A unique set of Christmas cards have hit the shops and funds raised will benefit Kerry cancer services.

This year's selection of Christmas cards 'A Kerry Christmas' are in aid of the Kerry Hospice Foundation. They were unveiled by Liz Reidy Nurse Manager in Palliative Care Inpatient Unit, artist Jane Hilliard and Ronan Deasy from Kerry Group who are sponsors.

This year the cards are dedicated to essential workers across all sections of society.

"This project is wonderfully supported by Ronan Deasy and Kerry Group and has been for many years and we are truly grateful to them for the continued support over the last 25 years," Andrea O'Donoghue from the Kerry Hospice Foundation said.

"The Christmas cards are a huge tradition for Kerry Hospice Foundation and over the years have raised massive funds which is again down to the people of Kerry and beyond who continue to buy the cards. We are as always grateful to you all who continue to support the Foundation."

Kerry Hospice Foundation is in its third year of its pledge and are now in the early days of providing support for two nurse practitioners for Kerry in the future, she added.

"The pledge is now in the region of €650,000 yearly to keep all the services within both units and the Home Care services going. This would not be possible without the wonderful generosity of the public, our volunteers and all the businesses throughout the county that continue to support the Foundation."

Virtual Christmas Tree

Another way to support Kerry Hospice Foundation this Christmas is via the virtual Light To Remember Christmas tree which is now in its fourth year.

"It is a lovely way to remember so many of our loved ones who are no longer with us and to let someone special know you are thinking of them at this time of year."

Go to www.lighttoremember.com and from there you can leave a public message for a loved one which can be seen in the live book or just sponsor a light on the tree without a name.

All donations from the tree will again go to fund the Inpatient Unit, the Day Unit, the Home Care services and the two nurse practitioners.

The Kerry Hospice Foundation Virtual Tree will be live right up to and during Christmas.

"It is a lovely way to remember someone special while supporting such valuable services here in Kerry."