'They saved my life. I wouldn’t have been able to do it on my own'

John O’Donoghue (seated, second from right) presenting a cheque to Christy Lehane, Chairman, Friends of the Kerry Motor Nuerone Disease Association. with Joan Breen and Mike O’Donoghue and, at back, Davie Breen, Pat O’Donnell, Mary Harte, Micheal Jordan, Maurice Doyle, Mary O’Connor and Mary O’Connor.
Pictures: Marie Carroll-O’Sullivan

THREE major fundraising events organised by a Killarney man living with Motor Neurone disease and his family and friends generated a staggering €46,088 and it has resulted in an enormously generous contribution to the association.

John O’Donoghue was the driving force behind two fun runs and walks through Killarney National Park, in Caherdaniel and in County Clare as he has a close association with all three areas.

Jon was recently diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease but he decided to be positive and proactive and he was determined that his fundraising effort would be worthwhile.

“When I was diagnosed the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA) was there for me. They offered me counselling and the counsellor was fantastic. They saved my life in a way,” said John.

“They put me on the right track. I wouldn’t have been able to do it on my own,” he added.

Emer Moynihan (centre), President of Killarney Soroptimists, presenting a €1,000 cheque to Christy Lehane with Soroptimists Catherine Gleeson, Catherine McMallin, Maura Fitzgerald, Ann O’Connor, Kathleen Keane, Mona Looney and Eileen Foley

The IMNDA remarked: “Thanks to the hard work and dedication of so many wonderful people, the vital funds raised will go a long way to help those living with MND.”

Motor Neurone Disease is a progressive neurological condition that attacks the nerves in the brain and spinal cord. Messages gradually stop reaching muscles, which leads to weakness and wasting and the condition can affect how sufferers walk, talk, eat, drink and breathe.

It is important to stress, however, that not all symptoms necessarily happen to everyone and it is unlikely they will all develop at the same time, or in any specific order.

There are currently over 370 people living with MND in Ireland, 13 of which are in Kerry.

The IMNDA provides specialised services for people affected by this debilitating disease such as providing equipment, financial assistance towards home help, advice and home visits by MND nurses. In order to provide these vital services, the IMNDA depends heavily on the generosity of the public and supporters of the association who generate over 82 per cent of its income.

Meanwhile, the Kerry Friends of the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association has also benefited from as annual Shrove Tuesday pancake morning organised by the Killarney Soroptimists and President Emer Moynihan presented a cheque for €1,000 to Kerry chairman Christy Lehane.