'Night Walk' fundraider for Irish Cancer Society's Night Nursing service

Every night of the year, Irish Cancer Society night nurses are in homes across the country supporting families in their loved one’s final days.

This invaluable service allows families to fulfil their loved one's wish to die at home.

To the families involved, they are like angels, as well managing pain and distressing physical symptoms, they provide vital psychological, social, and spiritual comfort to both the patient and grieving family members.

One of these night nurses is Aisling McCann who has been an Irish Cancer Society Night Nurse for the past year and a palliative care nurse for the past nine years.

The 41 year old mother of three covers the midlands area and has helped many Meath families at some of most difficult times of their lives.

"I am passionate about palliative care and heling famiies and their loved ones when they need it most. It is a privilege to be able to support families at such a time.

"No two nights are the same. It is rewarding but challenging as conditions can change quickly."

Aisling trained as a general nurse in Beaumont Hospital and during her training did an elective placement at St Francis Hospice in Raheny. "I said at the time that when I had life experience I would return to palliative care."

Aisling then trained as a midwife and later, after she had her own children, returned to palliative care.

"I love the whole ethos of being fully present and supporting the patient and their families at the most vulnerable times of their lives, at birth and death.

When you are a night nurse you develop a rapport with the patient and the family,

"I remember one night a family playing their loved ones favourite music and singing along as they passed away. People often want their pets with them. One family asked me to throw some turf on the range during the night."

Aisling says that seeing families come together, and particularly estranged family members reconciling, when a loved one is dying, is one of the best parts of the job. "It is good that they can have that time together."

One of the most difficult aspects of her work is caring for young patients and preparing both the patients and their family for the loss.

"Young patients take a big toll emotionally," she says.

To cope with the emotional toll Aisling says reflective practices and self care are very important. She uses the drive home for reflection, writes in her journal and enjoys walking and pilates.

"We also receive support from the Irish Cancer Society," she says.

The night nursing service gives exhausted families the chance to rest, knowing their loved one is in professional, compassionate hands during the most difficult hours of the night.

"The family are usually in the house and we alert the family if there is a change."

"Our toll is assessing, observing and communicating. If there are signs of restlessness or pain, we will look at pharmacological and non pharmacological methods to see what works."

Aisling says that working in palliative care has enriched her life. "It has heightened my awareness that you need to be fully present.

"It has also allayed my fear of dying. I have no fear. I see it as part of the cycle of life."

The Irish Cancer Society Funds the night nursing service almost entirely from voluntary donations and on Tuesday night (8th September) Boots Ireland is hosting the 'Night Walk' in aid of the service,

Aisling is supporting the walk and urging the public to get involved.

You can join the public walk in Dublin from the Papal Cross Car Park in the Phoenix Park, Dublin 8. The walk route is approximately 3.5km and registration,, which is €15 will open from 6.15 pm onwards, with the walk commencing at 7pm. Entertainment will be provided by members of Dublin Gospel Choir.

You can also walk at your own location. You can register online and pay your €15 sign-up fee, then walk at a location of your own choosing.

If you can’t join the walk, you can also donate online at https://bootsnightwalk.com