A fundraising night for a well-known Laois man has been planned for this summer.
David Rafter, who died by suicide in January, has been described as ‘an incredibly hard working family man’ who ‘was the life and soul of Portlaoise Hospital’.
The Portlaoise man touched the lives of many people and ‘A Night for Dave’ will take place on June 1 in Grellan Delaney’s Pub in Portlaoise from 9pm.
This will be a ‘bingo bongo night’ – the very first of these types of nights to take place in Portlaoise.
It’s not bingo by a long shot, it’s closer to a mad disco with bits of bingo added in.
One of the organisers behind the event, Christy Bannon, explained to LaoisToday just how loved Dave Rafter was.
He said: “A Night for Dave is a night to remember fondly and celebrate the friend and family member we have lost, and to raise money for suicide awareness and prevention.
“If he didn’t bring you in from the front door in a wheelchair he probably brought you to theatre on a trolley – If not, he was giggling as he journeyed through the corridors with his blue trolley.
“Dave worked all the hours he could with the sole intention – his family.
“Dave worked the wards witnessing the beginning of life to the end of life and was full of warmth and compassion in every circumstance.
“This event aims to raise funds, and in doing that to help his family, friends and suicide awareness and prevention.”
A number of local businesses have already donated prizes for the night.
Joe Conroy the photographer has donated a portrait session while Star Ink Tattoo have given a voucher.
Tickets for ‘A Night for Dave’ are €20 and for more information on the event as it becomes available, you can follow the Facebook page here.
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