FBD Hotel group donates to Laois hero Emma and Debra Ireland
Killashee House Hotel donation doubled for Emma Fogarty and Colin Farrell marathon feat
The final tally has been counted for Laois hero Emma Fogarty's Run to 40 appeal with Hollywood actor Colin Farrell.
Emma from Abbeyleix who is Ireland's oldest surviving person with the painful skin condition Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) was pushed in her wheelchair by Colin Farrell in the final 4km of the the Dublin city marathon, marking her 40th birthday in 2024.
They got a massive response to their Run to 40 fundraiser with an ambitious target of €1 million towards care of Ireland's patients with EB, and research into the rare disease.
The grand total raised is €919,211, including a generous donation by a hotel group.
FBD Hotels & Resorts have announced that it is matching Killashee Hotel’s fundraising efforts from the Dublin Marathon and bringing the total donation by the hotel group to an incredible €9,578.
Killashee Hotel staff raised €4,878 through the inspiring efforts of its General Manager, Ger Alley from Abbeyleix, who ran the Dublin City Marathon in October 2024 in aid of DEBRA Ireland.
The Kildare hotel has a special relationship with Emma, hosting all her events and gatherings as Debra Ireland's Patient Ambassador, and even creating a garden in her honour, called Emma's Butterfly garden.
Recognising the significance of this cause, David Kelly, CEO of FBD Hotels & Resorts, matched Killashee’s total fundraising amount, contributing an additional €4,700 on behalf of the group.
“We are thrilled to match Killashee Hotel’s outstanding fundraising efforts in support of DEBRA. Supporting charitable initiatives is a key part of our ethos at FBD Hotels & Resorts, and this cause is particularly meaningful given the longstanding
connection between Killashee and Emma Fogarty. It is an honour to play a role in raising awareness and making a tangible difference for the EB community,” the CEO said.
DEBRA Ireland provides vital support for those living with EB, often described as "butterfly skin" due to the extreme fragility of the skin. This donation will go toward supporting individuals and families affected by the condition and advancing efforts to
improve their quality of life.
The funds raised were presented at Killashee Hotel, marking the culmination of this collaborative fundraising initiative.
For more information about DEBRA Ireland and how you can support their work, visit www.debraireland.org.