Eugene’s Story

Home Away From Home 

Eugene Mullen from Easkey in County Mayo was delighted to finish his eight week course of radiotherapy for prostate cancer. Thankfully it all went to plan and Eugene is doing well with little or no side effects. As Eugene’s treatment was delivered every day from Monday to Friday he needed to stay near University Hospital in Galway where he would receive his treatment. He and his wife Ruby were delighted therefore when we were able to offer them accommodation at Inis Aoibhinn, our lodge run by Cancer Care West on the grounds of the hospital.   

Ruby was especially happy to be able to stay over with Eugene throughout the eight weeks. She describes the accommodation in Inis Aoibhinn as “beyond expectations” going on to say “the food was first class, the beds so comfortable and the staff couldn’t do enough for us.”   

To avoid having to ask family or friends to bring them to and from Inis Aoibhinn every week Eugene and Ruby travelled on the Cancer Care West bus from Ballina to the lodge on Monday mornings and back to Ballina on Friday afternoon. Ruby tells how delighted they were with this service also “It was a straight run to and from, with no stops, and we could be home in two hours on a Friday evening without disturbing anyone. To have all of this provided for free and with it to be shown such kindness and support was really marvellous.” 

Here at Inis Aoibhinn we were glad to be able to help this lovely couple and thrilled that Eugene is now finished his treatment and doing good. We wish them well as they board the Mayo bus for one last journey home but hope to see them again for a catch-up chat in the not too distant future.