Advancing patient support

Bringing nearly 30 years of experience in the voluntary sector, Rachel is a highly accomplished senior leader with a deep commitment to driving positive change. Rachel began her career in London and has championed causes across disability, social disadvantage, Black & Minority Ethnic issues, and homelessness. For the past 23 years, she has served as Director of Fundraising at Cork Simon Community where she was also a member of the Senior Management Team. She played a pivotal role in transforming lives through her leadership and partnership-based approach to affecting social change. Rachel is committed to building capacity within the not-for-profit sector and has volunteered on the Boards of various charities over the years. She is currently Chair of Charities Institute Ireland’s Munster Fundraisers Network, further demonstrating her dedication to the nonprofit sector.

As Head of Fundraising, Deirdre oversees all fundraising initiatives for the Mercy Foundation and directs the foundations major campaigns and events. Deirdre has worked with the Foundation for more than 11 years including 8 years in Community and Campaigns fundraising. Recently, she has led the Foundation on key developments, delivering on major projects such as the completion and move into 9 Dyke Parade, the opening of the Mercy Cancer Care Centre and the implementation of improved donor relations systems that make it easier for our donors and service users to have the best experience possible with the Foundation. Deirdre earned a BA in Fine Art from MTU Crawford and spent more than a decade working in Marketing and Development in the Arts sector in Cork before bringing her experience and expertise to the Mercy Foundation. Deirdre is passionate about the role that state-of-the-art equipment, world-leading research and patient centred care makes in the lives of patients in the Mercy.

Carol is the Foundation’s finance officer with responsibility for the daily and ongoing management of the Foundations finances. As part of her role Carol ensures that all donations are processed correctly and according to donors wishes. With multiple funds and projects being supported, Carol is a key component in our financial compliance and provides the reassurance that when you donate to the Mercy Foundation, those funds will be spent correctly on projects that are close to our donors’ hearts. Carol graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce from UCC and joined the Foundation in 2009 with more than 20 years experience in financial management. From investment in large scale equipment to funding services to make life easier for patients, Carol knows the impact donors have on those going through treatment in the Mercy.

In her roles as Donor Care officer and Building Facilities Manager, Chris looks after the Mercy Foundation’s donors, service users and premises in a multitude of ways. From looking after regular donors, co-ordinating our street and door-to-door teams, church gate collections to counter-top donations, Chris makes sure our donors and donations are processed properly, in compliance with our Triple Lock Compliance standards. Chris also ensures our beautiful centre at Dyke Parade is welcoming and ready to meet the needs of visitors and staff. Chris trained in administration in Lee Commercial College, Cork and started with the Foundation in 2010 as a volunteer before bringing her administration experience to the Foundation. Chris knows the special place the Mercy has in the hearts of people in Cork and beyond and likes to make sure our donors and visitors feel looked after in their interactions with the Foundation.

Nicola is the first person most people encounter when they call, email or visit the Foundation office. Nicola looks after many day-to-day operations including correspondence with donors, database management and fundraising event and campaign support. In addition, Nicola is the Lead Administrator for the Mercy Foundation Psycho-oncology service and ensures every person availing of the service is looked after throughout the process. From managing the Bibliotherapy library, to co-ordinating appointments, liaising with hospital staff, patients and the psychology team, Nicola takes pride in making sure that people get the best quality care in the psycho-oncology service. The friendly face that welcomes you to the Foundation, Nicola experiences first hand everyday what the Mercy means to the people of Cork and their families.

As Community Fundraiser, Louise supports people who are organising their own fundraising events for the Mercy and helps them to turn their gratitude into meaningful impact. Louise is involved in many aspects of fundraising including events, communications and campaigns and connects with people, families, clubs, groups and schools across the region from Cork City to Castletownbere and Waterford to West Limerick, all of whom make a real difference on people going through treatment in the Mercy Hospital. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Music and a Masters in Arts & Heritage Management and a long career in event management and business, Louise has brought a broad wealth of experience to the Foundation since she joined in 2021. Louise loves helping people to put their generosity into action for the Mercy, whether in memory of a loved one, in support of people in their community or in gratitude for the care they experienced.

In her role as Corporate Fundraiser, Linda works with a range of companies and commercial organisations to help them achieve their CSR goals by supporting the Mercy Foundation. This includes volunteer programmes, fundraising events including the annual Mercy Golf Classic, our Prostate Cancer Awareness programme and more. Our Corporate Partnership programmes offer unique opportunities for companies to enhance their brand, engage their employees and positively impact the Mercy. Linda brings a tailored experience to each of our corporate partners so that they find the greatest value from partnering with the Mercy which holds a special place in the hearts of people in Cork. With a wealth of experience in the corporate world, Linda joined the Foundation in 2023 and has established a wide range of meaningful connections with businesses across Cork and Munster in that time. Linda is passionate about the power of collaboration with our corporate partners to affect real change in the lives of people attending the Mercy.