Cork Gaisce Winner Joins ‘Doctors’ For Hospital Design Challenge!

DFS announces make-over sponsorship of family room in Mercy University Hospital’s Leukaemia Ward

A Facebook competition to redesign a Family Room in the Leukaemia Ward at the Mercy University Hospital with former RTE’s design doctors, sponsored by DFS, will see Mallow native and Gaisce bronze award-winner Emma O’Callaghan team up with Denise O’Connor and Catherine Crowe of Optimise Design, to make-over the family room.

Emma has just finished her transition year at St Mary’s in Mallow and recently completed the bronze Gaisce award. “I was so shocked that I was picked for this, I hadn’t told my family as I didn’t think I would get it! I love fashion and style in everything and this is an amazing opportunity to see into the world of interior design.

“Cancer hasn\’t affected my life but it has affected people I know and I just thought that it would be great to help make it as homely and pleasant as possible for a family going through probably one of the roughest patches in their lives.”

Manager of DFS’ Cork store at City Gate, Mahon, Joe Reilly is delighted with the company’s partnership with Gaisce and the opportunity for DFS to bring some comfort to families of leukaemia sufferers attending the Mercy University Hospital. “I’m looking forward to seeing Emma work with the designers and of course helping them to choose the ideal handmade sofas from the extensive DFS range to suit the needs of this room.”

Michael Sheridan, CEO of the Mercy Foundation said that the Mercy Hospital is very excited about the DFS Makeover. “Many of our families travel long distances and spend a long time waiting around at a very difficult time in their lives. Thanks to the support of DFS, Gaisce and Optimise Design we look forward to having a uniquely comfortable space for them to have quality family time together.”

Denise O’Connor and Catherine Crowe, of Optimise Design are looking forward to the challenge, “We’re excited about working with Emma on this wonderful Gasice/DFS project. Good interior design ensures that a space functions superbly while also looking great, which we hope will bring some comfort to the families that need this room”, said Denise.

The competition ran on the Gaisce website and Facebook page inviting young people from all over Ireland to get involved with the DFS Makeover project. “We received a great response and positive feedback from Gaisce participants and President Award Leaders about it. A winner was randomly selected from the group of interested people and Emma O’Callaghan from Mallow was the lucky winner” said Stacy O’Driscoll of Gaisce.

The final project will be unveiled in the autumn.