Mayo family donate to hospital's cancer care efforts

The family of a Claremorris woman who passed away three years ago have honoured her memory by making a generous donation to St Vincent's University Hospital (SVUH) in Dublin. 

Kay Marren's husband Val recalled that his wife was committed to scientific research. 

“Kay, who was a microbiologist, was always happy when she was in the lab, so she and I decided to donate to St Vincent’s University molecular pathology laboratory. The team there do excellent work and we wanted to support a part of the hospital that isn't always seen, but the difference they make for patients and their families is extraordinary."

Dr Adrián Marino Enríquez, Associate Professor of Pathology at SVUH, said: "Thanks to this incredibly generous donation, St Vincent’s University Hospital is now home to a world-class precision diagnostics service. This investment has directly supported the expansion of the molecular pathology laboratory, enabling us to acquire cutting-edge equipment, including an Illumina next-generation sequencer and a Hamilton robotic liquid handling instrument.” 

Professor Ray McDermott of SVUH said: “The new technology allows our laboratory to analyse more than 500 genes simultaneously from a single biopsy sample, a massive leap from the previous capacity of just 5-10 genes. This powerful capability means that we can provide complex diagnostic results for up to 40 cancer patients every week.

"Thanks to the Marren family's extraordinary support, the oncology team are enabled to make highly informed decisions, ensuring that every patient receives the most effective, personalised treatment possible, according to the highest international standards.

Helen McVeigh, St Vincent's Foundation, said: "We are touched and honoured to have received this generous support from the Marren family. We hope there is great comfort in knowing their gift in her memory is already transforming patient care."