January 2023 saw us say goodbye to our friend and Chairperson Richard "Dick" Sides.
"Dick was Mr Hospital. He gave his heart and soul for the hospital. He knew every doctor and every nurse in there and everyone knew Dick. Everyone in the hospital loved him" -Tom Timmons
Dick Sides was a founding member of the Friends of Portlaoise Hospital in 1991 - one of the longest-serving members. He was elected as Chairperson and held this title with great pride.
Dick Sides was more than a campaigner for Portlaoise Hospital as his work with the Friends of Portlaoise Hospital proved over many years. From TVs to vital medical equipment, he worked tirelessly to ensure that as much help as possible could be given to the hospital with funds raised locally. Dick enjoyed his 30-plus years as an active committee member and we don't think it would have been as successful without him. He was the driving force behind the team, the head bottle washer. He always wanted to do more and see what else we could do to help the patients of our hospital.
"Dick was Mr Hospital. He gave his heart and soul for the hospital. He knew every doctor and every nurse in there and everyone knew Dick. Everyone in the hospital loved him. " - Tom Timmons.
Dick had a fantastic ability to raise funds directly, especially through the sale of tickets for the Christmas raffle which he sold every year. "If the Pope came down the hospital hall Dick would sell him tickets," said Mr Timmons. He thoroughly enjoyed selling tickets in the hospital foyer for the Annual Christmas Draw. He loved meeting people passing through the doors. He somehow always managed to be given a cup of tea and a plate of sandwiches and cakes while he was selling the tickets.
Rest in Peace Dick, you will be sorely missed by us all in the Friends of the Hospital.
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