A cheque for €7,395.50, the proceeds of a recent tractor run, was presented to the ‘Help Mags Find Relief Fund’ last Saturday at the home of Michael Sheridan in Upper Lavey. Back (from left): Seamus Sheridan, John Fitzsimons, Enda Carolan, Thomas Reilly, Cathal Denning, Sean Smith, Francie Fitzpatrick, Joseph Galligan, Cathal Flanagan, Tony Lynch, Patricia O’Reilly, Tara Lynch, Sean Cusack, Derek Plunkett, Jackie Denning and Sandra Lynch; front, Ronan Rudden on Motor Cycle, Caoimhe Lynch, Michael Sheridan, John Smith and Carmel Smith, joint chairpersons of organising committee receiving the cheque; Phil Smith, Emily Sheridan, Anne McPhillips, Eimear Lynch, Katie Fitzpatrick, Thomas Lynch and Adrian Rudden on motor cycle. PHOTO: Sean McMahon

‘Help Mags Find Relief’ fundraiser nears target

€7,300 presented from local tractor run

Published:

A cheque for over €7,300 was presented to the ‘Help Mags Find Relief’ group at the weekend after a very successful tractor run from Ballyjamesduff to Lavey in September. The run was the latest in a series of bumper fundraising initiatives for local woman Mags Deane Smith who was diagnosed with Sagittal Imbalance Kyphosis - a condition that causes chronic back pain, loss of balance, loss of mobility, muscle wastage as well as additional spinal challenges.

The fundraising campaign is being spearheaded by Mags’ sister in law Carmel Smith and an iDonate page has been set up where the total reached so far is close to €170,000. The aim is to raise a total of €200,000 so that Mags can undergo groundbreaking surgery in the UK that could dramatically improve her quality of life.

There have been numerous fundraiser events across the county over the last few months including a performance by the Virginia Gospel Choir at St Dympna’s Church back in June. It is hoped that a benefit night on November 15 in the Lavey Inn will raise enough to hit the €200,000 in funds needed for the surgery.

Speaking to The Anglo-Celt, Carmel said the family is overwhelmed with the level of support they and the cause have received over the last four months. “We are so grateful to everyone for all their support.

“Mags is in a lot of discomfort and pain; we don’t have a date yet for the operation but it is her only hope at having a normal life. We are hopeful that we will get across the line with the fundraiser, we are so close now, and Mags will have her life-changing procedure soon.”

To donate, click here.

Aisling Kiernan
    Published: