Deputy Kevin ‘Boxer’ has lent his support to Cystic Fibrosis Ireland’s National Awareness Week, taking place from April 11 to 17.
Ireland has the highest rates of cystic fibrosis in the world and some of the most severe types of the disease. As part of National Awareness Week, on 65 Roses Day on Friday, April 15, volunteers will be selling purple roses and other memorabilia in the Harbour Place Shopping Centre in Mullingar to raise much-needed funds for cystic fibrosis services.
The aim is to raise €65,000 nationally which will go towards patient support grants for transplant assessment, fertility treatment, and counselling, as well as research and new healthcare facilities.
The campaign is also being supported by Longford-Westmeath Deputy, Peter Burke. RTÉ presenter and Cystic Fibrosis Ireland ambassador, Keelin Shanley, is urging the public to get behind the fundraising appeal: “Funds raised on 65 Roses Day go to support Cystic Fibrosis Ireland’s range of services which include grants to support people with CF, the development of new CF health facilities, research and education,” she said.
“By way of example, in 2015, more than 300 grants amounting to €147,000 were awarded to people with cystic fibrosis to support them in a wide range of areas, from fertility treatment and transplant assessment, to exercise equipment and education support. Without the support of the public, the support grants provided to people with cystic fibrosis simply wouldn’t happen.”
People can support the cause by buying a purple rose for €2 on 65 Roses Day or by donating at www.cfireland.ie Alternatively, text ‘65ROSES’ to 50300 to make a €2 donation. All proceeds will go to Cystic Fibrosis Ireland across most network operators. Some operators apply VAT which means that a minimum of €1.63 will go to Cystic Fibrosis Ireland.
To volunteer to help sell purple roses and other merchandise on 65 Roses Day, visit www.cfireland.ie, call the Cystic Fibrosis Ireland fundraising team on (1890 ) 311211 or email [email protected].
