The Marie Keating Foundation, together with long-term partner Flogas Ireland, today celebrates more than a decade of support for their Comfort Fund, a vital service that provides once-off financial assistance to cancer patients experiencing the hidden and often overwhelming costs of treatment.

A powerful new testimonial video has been released to shine a light on the importance of the Fund, featuring Ciara Foskin, a Marie Keating Foundation ambassador, who was diagnosed with cancer and turned to the Comfort Fund during her treatment. In the video, Ciara speaks openly about the shock of diagnosis, the emotional toll of treatment, and the unexpected financial pressures that quickly mounted, at an already challenging time.

Reflecting on her experience Ciara noted “I got the Comfort Fund from them, and I was delighted. I feel like I have somebody else in my life I can turn to.” – Ciara Foskin

Ciara’s story reflects the experiences of many patients who face significant extra costs such as increased heating and energy bills, fuel for travel to appointments, parking charges, and childcare; expenses that can accumulate rapidly during treatment.

Throughout her journey, Ciara was supported by Helen Forristal, Director of Nursing at the Marie Keating Foundation, who also features in the video. “When somebody asks you for help… it’s a gift in itself.” – Helen Forristal, Director of Nursing, Marie Keating Foundation

Since 2014, the Marie Keating Foundation has issued almost 4,000 Comfort Fund grants, providing essential support to families trying to keep their homes warm, cover bills, and manage day-to-day costs while coping with a cancer diagnosis.

Liz Yeates, CEO of the Marie Keating Foundation, said:

“Flogas has been a steadfast partner to the Marie Keating Foundation for over 10 years, and their continued support has made a profound difference to people affected by cancer across Ireland. Our Comfort Fund exists to provide vital financial assistance to individuals and families navigating a cancer journey – from heating costs to everyday essentials – and quite simply, it would not be possible without the generosity and commitment of partners like Flogas.

We are also deeply grateful to Ciara for sharing her story. Her openness helps highlight the real impact the Comfort Fund has when support is needed most. On behalf of everyone at the Foundation, sincere thanks to Flogas for enabling us to continue this essential work.”

John Rooney, Managing Director of Flogas, said:

“Flogas have been partnering with the Marie Keating foundation for over 10 years. There is no community in Ireland that hasn’t been affected by cancer and the fear that it can create. Cancer also brings with it hidden costs. The Comfort Fund helps provide essential services to people living with cancer and it’s important to us that we stand with the communities we serve and help them navigate this difficult journey and the Comfort Fund allows us to do this”.

Watch Ciara’s story here:

ENDS

For more information contact Marie Keating Foundation….

About the Comfort Fund

The Comfort Fund provides once-off financial support to cancer patients who are experiencing hardship as a result of their diagnosis. Grants help cover essential costs including increased heating and energy bills, travel to treatment, childcare, and other day-to-day expenses that families often struggle to manage. More information is available at: https://mariekeating.ie/cancer-services/comfortfund/

About the Marie Keating Foundation

The Marie Keating Foundation is one of Ireland’s leading cancer charities, providing cancer awareness, support services and compassionate care to individuals and families across the country. The Foundation is committed to ensuring that no one faces cancer alone, offering vital programmes including survivorship supports, nurse-led services, and financial assistance such as the Comfort Fund.

About Flogas Ireland

Flogas Ireland is a leading provider of LPG, natural gas, and electricity, supplying energy solutions to homes and businesses nationwide. For over four decades, Flogas has supported Irish communities with a strong focus on comfort, care and community wellbeing through its CSR initiatives.