Taoiseach’s message of support to brave Luke

AN TAOISEACH Enda Kenny has personally lent his support to little Luke Styles who featured on the front page of Southside People last week.

Baby Luke, from Clondalkin, has a rare disabling brain disease known as AADC. He is one of only 130 people in the world diagnosed with the condition and the only one in Ireland.

AADC is a genetically inherited neurological disorder that affects the brain’s ability to produce dopamine and serotonin – two of the most essential neurotransmitters needed for everyday living.

Luke’s mum Emma has launched a new take on the successful

‘Ice Bucket Challenge’ to help raise money for the AADC Research Trust, a children’s charity that funds research, supports affected families and promotes global awareness of the disease.

Called the

‘Cream Pie Challenge’, it has garnered hundreds of views on Facebook as dozens of people have taken part to help her raise money for the worthy cause.

Emma has challenged several high profile politicians – including the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste – to take up the challenge.

And while there was no chance of Mr Kenny

‘getting creamed’, he took time out from a hectic schedule last week to give his support and best wishes to Luke.

Mr Kenny said he was

“very touched

? by the plight of Luke and his mum, having read their story in this newspaper.

Celtic Media Group, which prints and provides publishing services to Southside People, has agreed with Mr Kenny to make a donation to the fund for Luke.

The

‘Cream Pie Challenge’ rules dictate that participants fill a paper plate with whipped cream, squash it into their faces, or a friend’s face, and donate as much as possible. Then they nominate five other people to do the challenge.

People have been uploading their

‘Cream Pie Challenge’ videos and selfies to a Facebook page (www.facebook.com/creampiechallengeforluke).

To find out more about Luke’s condition or to donate, visit www.justgiving.com/emma-styles1/