A Mullingar teacher is appealing for support for the national ‘Have a Heart’ fundraising campaign, which kicks off this weekend in aid of Muscular Dystrophy Ireland (MDI ).
Freda Wilkinson, a secondary school teacher in Mullingar, is one of more than 17 people in Westmeath living with muscular dystrophy, a neuromuscular condition characterised by the progressive weakening and wasting of the muscles.
Freda will be fundraising for MDI at Tesco, Golden Island, Athlone this Saturday from 10am-3pm as part of the Muscular Dystrophy Ireland Valentine’s Day ‘Have a Heart’ campaign. MDI is asking people to buy a box of two heart-shaped Lily O’Briens chocolates for just €2, or a scented candle for €3. The items will be on sale at Golden Island, Athlone and at Harbour Place, Mullingar from Saturday until Tuesday.
The money raised will be used to fund the respite support services and medical research into muscular dystrophy. Freda is encouraging members of the public to lend their support to the cause.
“Muscular dystrophy is not well known or heard about often, and the charity really needs publicity and support. It provides a great service to people with muscular dystrophy, and offers advice to their families,” says Freda.
“When I was diagnosed I was given the clinical explanation, but the organisation sent someone out to meet with me and was there for advice. They also met up with my parents to offer them support.”
Launching the ‘Have a Heart’ campaign, MDI chief executive Joe Mooney said, “Many people with rare conditions like muscular dystrophy experience challenges due to lack of awareness, resulting in delays in diagnosis and possibly misdiagnosis. Muscular Dystrophy Ireland is committed to doing as much as possible to support people with muscular dystrophy and their families. We can only provide this support with the help of the general public.”
For further information visit www.mdi.ie
