A framed drum head signed by Phil Collins has raised €3,032.35 for the Sunflower Children’s Hospice, Ireland’s first children’s hospice on the Western Seaboard.
The Galway Drum Show auction was held in memory of talented young drummer Adam Nagajek, who died last year at the age of 17 after being diagnosed with Osteosarcoma at just nine years old.
Adam joined the Galway Drum Show when he was 16, and despite never having taken drum lessons, achieved a top-three national placing. Music remained a huge part of Adam’s life, and he continued creating and performing even during his final months.
Adam’s mum, Ola Nagajek, said, “I’m delighted that we were able to support the Sunflower Children’s Hospice through the Galway Drum Show’s silent auction.”
“Adam was in adult hospitals once he turned 16 and had limited access to pediatric services. While we did receive pediatric palliative care in his final weeks, much of his care took place within adult services despite him being only 16 and 17 years old.”
“I really wanted to help other children and young adults like Adam so they are not left behind. The Sunflower Children’s Hospice will provide hugely important service for families across the West of Ireland.”
Ola added, “I want to thank the Galway Drum Show for their incredible support. Adam was a hugely talented drummer. He formed a band in 2023 and while he spent his last few months in bed, he continued playing music, produced for other bands and worked on his own music until the end of his life.”
“We had a studio at home which he absolutely loved. He left behind music that his band Talllon, and other bands, are now bringing to life and it gives me great comfort knowing that his legacy lives on.”
The funds raised will go towards the construction of the eight-bed Sunflower Children’s Hospice in Mayo, with construction expected to begin later this year.
John Tierney, Galway Drum Show, said, “We are delighted to support such a fantastic charity and we’ll continue to do so in the future. The drum community will always support each other.”
The hospice will provide specialist palliative care for children with life-limiting illnesses, alongside purpose-built family accommodation and therapeutic facilities including hydrotherapy, play therapy, and sensory rooms.
Once complete, the hospice will support children and families from across the western seaboard, providing compassionate, specialist care closer to home.
Martina Jennings, CEO of Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation, said, “I would sincerely like to thank Ola and the Galway Drum Show for choosing to support the Sunflower Children’s Hospice.”
“Families like Adam’s highlight why this service is so urgently needed in the West of Ireland. Every contribution brings us closer to creating a dedicated space where children, young adults and their families can receive the specialist care and support they deserve.”
