Appeal launched to help brave Evie

A MAJOR fundraising drive is underway to purchase a wheelchair accessible car for a brave Northside girl.

In January, Evie Lawlor (5), from Donnycarney, was diagnosed with a devastating neurodegenerative disorder.

‘Vanishing White Matter’ (VWM) is a Leukodystrophy, a slow progressive disease affecting all of Evie’s motor skills. Having lost the use of her legs, Evie is currently getting used to a new wheelchair to help her get around.

Despite her illness, Evie, an only child, is a determined little girl and started school in September at Our Lady of Consolation NS, Donnycarney. She also attends the Central Remedial Clinic (CRC) in Clontarf once a week.
Shortly after the diagnosis, the local community rallied around to help Evie’s parents Pascal and Lisa.

The Friends of Evie group was born and a 10-strong committee immediately kickstarted a campaign to raise

?¬29,000 for a specially adapted car to suit Evie’s needs.
Brian Furlong, a spokesperson for Friends of Evie, said the group’s aim is to provide funds to alleviate the obvious problems that Evie faces.

“Our first objective is to provide a wheelchair accessible car to make life easier for Evie’s parents to get her from A to B,

? he told Northside People.

“The cost of the car is

?¬29,000. It’s a big ask but one we as a group feel is attainable.

?

Friends of Evie have already held a number of fundraising events locally and more are planned in the coming months.
As part of the drive, a number of items have been gathered for an auction including:

?¢ A signed Leinster rugby jersey

?¢ A signed Liverpool jersey

?¢ The Republic of Ireland jersey worn by local star Wes Hoolahan against Gibraltar and signed by all the team

?¢ A signed Padraig Harrington shirt

?¢ An Ireland v Australia rugby jersey from 2009

?¢ A limited edition signed print of this year’s 2014 derby winner

‘Australia’, signed by both Aidan O’Brien (trainer) and Joe O’Brien (jockey)

Meanwhile, a Race Night will be held this Friday, November 7 at Grainger’s Pub on the Malahide Road. The organisers are looking for people to sponsor a horse on the night, while any firms or individuals supporting the cause will be included on the race card.
Mr Furlong added:

“Little Evie is a beautiful and happy-go-lucky child.

“The road ahead will be a tough one. However, donations will help us immensely to achieve our goals.

“With the help of her many friends and relations, the Friends of Evie group, and of course, her loving parents, we will make Evie’s life as comfortable as possible.

?

The Evie Lawlor Fund has been set up at the AIB Branch, Howth Road, Raheny. The Sort Code is 932345 and the Account Number is 31212044.
For more information on Evie, visit her Facebook page: Friends of Evie Lawlor.