Hospitality Sector gets behind Foyle Hospice fundraising prize draw

A local chef is giving back to Foyle Hospice in a deeply personal way, after the care shown to his family during two of the hardest times in their lives.

Leigh Thurston, Head Chef at the Ebrington Hotel, has organised a special fundraising prize draw in memory of his father-in-law, Eugene O’Donnell, and Rose Nelis, the mother of his sister-in-law, after both families experienced first-hand the compassion and support of Foyle Hospice.

With more than £5,000 worth of prizes donated by businesses across the hospitality sector, the prize draw is not only a major community fundraiser, but a tribute rooted in love, gratitude and remembrance.

Leigh said the idea came from a desire to do something meaningful after seeing the care his father-in-law received during his final days.

"I didn’t really know what Foyle Hospice was all about until my family needed it. When my father-in-law Eugene was admitted, the care he received from the moment he arrived until the day he passed away was just incredible. From the reception staff to those caring for him day and night, washing him, feeding him and looking after every need, we could not have asked for better," she added.

“That meant so much to us as a family, and that is why I wanted to do my part… to raise money, to raise awareness, and to let other families know that Foyle Hospice is there when it is needed most.

“Eugene passed away just before Christmas and it has been very hard for all of us. He was so well known in the community, a real legend to those who knew him, and someone who was always there to help others. This fundraiser is a way of honouring him, remembering Rose as well, and showing our appreciation for the care that meant so much to our family.

“I have been overwhelmed by the support from the local hospitality industry. So many people have come together to donate prizes and back this effort, and I am very grateful to every one of them," said Leigh.

The prize draw features a wide range of donated prizes, including hotel stays, dining experiences, golf breaks, afternoon teas and vouchers from businesses across the North West and further afield.

Among the top prizes are an eight-course tasting menu for 10 people plus an overnight stay for two at the Ebrington Hotel, golf and dining packages from Ballyliffin Golf Club and Enniscrone Golf Club, and a number of additional hotel, restaurant and experience vouchers.

Kathleen Bradley, Fundraiser at Foyle Hospice, who liaised with Leigh on the fundraiser, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Leigh for choosing to support Foyle Hospice in such a heartfelt and generous way. This fundraiser has come from a place of deep personal loss, but also from gratitude, love and a real desire to help other families.

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“It has been a privilege to work with Leigh on this wonderful draw, and to see the level of support it has received from across the hospitality sector has been truly moving. Every entry will help Foyle Hospice continue providing specialist palliative care and support to local patients and families at the moments they need it most.”

The fundraiser is now open, with online entry and a free postal entry route available. Tickets cost £10, and the draw will take place on Friday, May 1, 2026.

Every entry will help raise vital funds for Foyle Hospice, supporting specialist palliative care and wraparound support for patients and families across our community.