Laois firefighters seek support for good cause as they prepare to take to the football pitch

Laois Firefighters and below Martina, Joe and Robert Norman

placeholder image — Laois Firefighters and below Martina, Joe and Robert Norman

The firefighters are holding a charity fundraiser after being approached by teenager Robert Norman

Laois Firefighters are looking for community support for their charity event in aid of Family Carers Ireland.

They were prompted to take part in the charity fundraiser for Family Carers Ireland after being approached by teenager Robert Norman, who has benefitted from the assistance of Family Carers Ireland.

Robert was born three weeks early in February 2008. From the time he was a baby Robert was quite sick and had many hospital stay overs in Portlaoise where a lot of tests were carried out.

Robert was diagnosed with asthma, a cross fused ectopic kidney and scoliosis. At the age of three Robert was diagnosed with autism. In later years it was discovered that Robert was also dyslexic and had dyscalculia.

Robert is a fun loving, kind hearted and caring child in his own way. He is adventurous and likes GAA and always has a football in his hands. Robert continues to have medical issues and appointments which keep his mammy and daddy busy but they wouldn't have it any other way. Read more below picture.

About three weeks ago Robert approached Family Carers Ireland and said he would like to hold a fundraiser. He came up with the idea of having a football match for Family Carers Ireland as his mam Martina is his full time carer.

He decided to approach Laois County Fire and Rescue Service and asked Sub Station Officer, Ed Gallagher and Station Officer, Paul Bolger of Portarlington Fire Station to come onboard. They accepted the challenge.

The firefighters have a history of raising money for good causes in the county and SSO Gallagher said they already have a panel of 22 firefighters ready for the match which is due to take place in October.

SSO Gallagher will be managing the Laois Fire and Rescue Service team and Robert Norman will manage his team as they go head to head for a thrilling 90 minutes of football.

Together with Robert’s parents Joe and Martina, the organisers hope to raise awareness of autism and the impact of Family Caring for both children and adults with additional needs and medical issues.

The Charity Football Match will be held on Sunday, October 27, 2024 in Arlington Football Pitch in Portarlington at 1pm. Donation can be made at this link https://www.gofundme.com/f/2ux94-charity-soccer-match-laois-fire-and-rescue-service?qid=995d26b50e39c6216b65dcec54d2e575