Kildare people urged to support Cystic Fibrosis Ireland ahead of ‘65 Roses Day’

Kildare people are being urged to support Cystic Fibrosis Ireland’s annual fundraising day 65 Roses Day taking place on Friday, April 14.

65 Roses Day derives its name from the way in which young children often first say the words 'cystic fibrosis' (CF) and seeks to raise much-needed funds for CF services and supports for people with cystic fibrosis in Ireland.

Volunteers will be out in force selling purple roses in County Kildare and across the country, in Dunnes Stores or other participating outlets.

Also supporting the campaign this year and encouraging the public to get involved is Ruth Cahill, from Maynooth, whose son Harry (14) is a keen sportsman despite having CF.

Speaking ahead of the event, Ruth Cahill said: "Harry was diagnosed at seven weeks old. CF has its challenges and we work hard to keep Harry well, but he has never once let CF stop him.

"He plays hurling for Kildare and Maynooth, and runs with St Coca’s Athletic Club."

She added: "He even got his five-kilometre personal best recently with 17 minutes and 45 seconds.

"Unfortunately though, not all people with CF have the same opportunities and to help others receive the support they need, I am supporting 65 Roses Fay for CFI."

This week's Leinster Leader is out! Buy in shops or subscribe online at www.leinsterleader.ie

Kildare Senator welcomes €13 million fund to tackle dereliction and vacancy in rural areas

CHARITY SONG

Local radio stations that cover County Kildare are being encouraged to play the new song 'Breathe Easy' — featuring popular singer Stephanie Rainey on vocals — when it goes on local release on Saturday, April 8 (the day after its national release on April 7) in association with Cystic Fibrosis Ireland.

All royalties earned from every radio play of Breathe Easy up until 65 Roses Day on the 14th of April are being donated to Cystic Fibrosis Ireland.

Breathe Easy is an original song written by professional songwriter Myles Gaffney in memory of his late-niece Ciara O’Gorman, who died from cystic fibrosis complications in 2017 aged 24, twelve days after giving birth to her son, Rocco. 

The track also features other well-known traditional folk musicians such as Blacky (Michael) O’Connell, Claire Sands and Rory McCarthy, and it was produced by Myles Gaffney and Kealan Kenny.

People can also donate to the Breathe Easy fundraiser on Just Giving at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/BreatheEasySong.

Funds raised on 65 Roses Day will help to provide exercise equipment, counselling sessions and grants for people with CF undergoing a transplant or fertility assessment, or for families with CF who have recently been bereaved.

Camogie: Kildare come up short against strong Carlow side

These funds also go to support cystic fibrosis research and the building of new CF hospital facilities and the funding of specialist CF staff.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited chronic disease that primarily affects the lungs and the digestive system. 

Ireland has the highest incidence of CF in the world and some of the most severe types.

There are more than 1,400 people living with CF in Ireland and the number is increasing each year as a result of improvements in treatment and care.

Those who wish to donate can do so online at 65roses.ie or they can buy a purple rose in Dunnes Stores or other participating outlets nationwide.