A CHARITY event, which was held to raise funds for research into a debilitating illness, has proved to be a big success.
Over 250 people took part in
‘Walk for Ataxia’, from Clontarf Rugby Club to Belvedere Rugby Club.
The participants walked through the streets from the Northside to the Southside club where a BBQ was waiting for them to celebrate their achievement.
Leading the pack was organiser Kevin Finn, whose brother Peter suffers from Friedreich’s Ataxia.
Speaking after the event, Kevin said the support and dedication from everybody involved was overwhelming.
“This debilitating disease is still relatively unknown in Ireland,
? he said.
“We hope that our efforts will raise the profile of Friedreich’s Ataxia, and show people who may be suffering with this terrible disease that there is hope, and that people do care about their health and livelihood.
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Friedreich’s Ataxia (FA) is a neuromuscular disease that causes progressive damage to the nervous system resulting in the loss of muscle control.
Kevin described Freidreich’s Ataxia as a terrible condition.
“What is happening to my brother isn’t fair,
? he stated.
“To date there is no treatment and no cure.
“Researchers working on Friedreich’s Ataxia aim to have a cure by 2020. That was the overriding reason behind
‘Walk for Ataxia’.
“We intend to raise money for research to help this dream become a reality.
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Kevin said that Peter graduated from Trinity College in 2006 with an honours degree in Law.
“Unfortunately, due to the toll the condition took on my brother’s health, he was unable to join the workforce with his classmates following their graduation,
? he added. The event on June 20 raised
?¬30,000 and the profile of Ataxia Ireland was enhanced further by the hashtag #walkforataxia trending on Twitter. Both Leinster Rugby and Ireland rubgy star Cian Healy, from Clontarf, tweeted their support.
For further information about Friedreich’s Ataxia or to make a donation to Ataxia Ireland, visit www.ataxia.ie