Mayo people urged to support Cystic Fibrosis Ireland ahead of 65 Roses Day
Mayo people are being urged to help Cystic Fibrosis Ireland meet its fundraising target of €300,000 on 65 Roses Day, taking place nationwide on Friday, April 12.
Volunteers will be out in force selling purple roses at the following locations in Mayo: Dunnes Stores, Pearse Street, Ballina; Dunnes Stores, Market Street, Castlebar; and Kavanagh's SuperValu, New Antrim Street, Castlebar.
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.
Funds raised on 65 Roses Day will help to provide exercise equipment, counselling sessions and grants for people with CF undergoing a transplant, fertility assessment or families with CF who have recently been bereaved. Funds also go to support Cystic Fibrosis research and the building of new CF hospital facilities and the funding of specialist CF staff.
Supporting the campaign this year and encouraging the public to get involved is Shane Halligan from Claremorris, who lives with cystic fibrosis.
Shane says: “Cystic fibrosis can be a very challenging condition. Being genetic, it is also very individual to each person who lives with it. It affects people in different ways, from their lungs to their digestive system.
“CFI provides very worthwhile support to people with CF and their families around the country, and today I’m asking people to support 65 Roses Day to help CFI to keep providing their support and advocacy services.”
65 Roses Day derives its name from the way in which young children often first say the words 'cystic fibrosis' and seeks to raise much-needed funds for cystic fibrosis services and supports for people with CF in Ireland.
Cystic Fibrosis Ireland is calling on the people of Mayo to show support for 65 Roses Day this year and to buy a purple rose to help raise those much-needed funds for people in Mayo living with CF. Donate online at 65roses.ie or purchase a purple rose in participating outlets locally or nationwide.