Help Denise and Gerry in their battle against major health issues

Denise (48) and Gerry Collins (53), Rooskey, Bealnamullia Co Roscommon are both battling serious health problems, which forced the two of them to spend the Christmas period in hospital away from their young children.

While dealing with massive health challenges, the couple are also trying to keep home life together for their three children, Zoe (17), Mia (11) and Jay (10).

On December 13th, Denise was brought by emergency ambulance to Portiuncula Hospital where she was kept in for the Christmas period. She was then transferred to St. James’s Hospital in Dublin, staying there for three weeks for further tests.

Following the tests, a tumour was discovered in her stomach, which will require medical intervention involving chemotherapy treatment and surgery.

Like Denise, her husband Gerry has showed tremendous courage in the face of adversity. He had to spend Christmas in hospital after developing a clot in his lung. In 2019, he overcame breast cancer after successful treatment before cancer appeared again in his lungs and bones.

Last year, he underwent a hip operation in University Hospital Galway as part of his treatment. Gerry, who has been off work for the last three years, is currently on medication and under hospital supervision.

As their significant health battles continue, both Denise and Gerry want to acknowledge the tremendous support they and their three children continue to receive from family, friends and neighbours.

Despite the pressures on the Collins family, their children are still attending school. Mia and Jay are in 5th class and 4th class respectively at Cloonakilla National School while Zoe is a 5th year student at Coláiste Chiaráin, Summerhill.

Denise (nee Finneran) is originally from Cornaseer, Kiltoom, and Gerry, is a native of Lisbrock, Brideswell.