Letterkenny man urges support for Cystic Fibrosis Ireland ahead of 65 Roses Day

A Letterkenny man living with Cystic Fibrosis has urged people to stand up and support the campaign on 65 Roses Day. 

Marc McCarron, who was diagnosed when he was born, and his best friend and cousin Vinny McLaughlin are supporting the campaign and encouraging people to get involved. 

Cystic Fibrosis Ireland is calling for support to meet its fundraising target of €300,000 on 65 Roses Day which will take place on Friday, April 12. Volunteers will be out in force selling purple roses in Dunnes Stores, shopping centres. 

Roses will be handed out in Letterkenny at Dunnes Stores, Forte Shopping Centre, Neil T Blaney Road, and Dunnes Stores, Main Street, Old Town Road.

The dedicated day aims to raise awareness and funds which will help to provide exercise equipment, counselling sessions, and grants for people with Cystic Fibrosis undergoing a transplant, fertility assessment or families with Cystic Fibrosis who have recently been bereaved. 

Funds also go to support Cystic Fibrosis Ireland (CFI) research and the building of new Cystic Fibrosis hospital facilities and the funding of specialist staff.

“Mark was well as a child and it really started to impact him in his teens,” Vinny said. “Mark had so many chest infections and hospitalisations. To see some of what he has been through is heart-breaking.”

“CFI have been fantastic over the years,” Mark said. “They provide exercise grants, throughout Covid they would send out PPE gear like masks, gloves, hand sanitiser, and any time I am in hospital, they are there to help. 

“So, I’m calling on everyone to get out on the April 12 and support CFI on 65 Roses Day to keep services like these going.”

Cystic Fibrosis is an inherited chronic disease that primarily affects the lungs and the digestive system.  Ireland has the highest incidence in the world and some of the most severe types. More than 1,400 people are living with Cystic Fibrosis in Ireland and the number is increasing each year as a result of improvements in treatment and care.

65 Roses Day derives its name from how young children often first say the words "cystic fibrosis" and seeks to raise much-needed funds for Cystic Fibrosis services and supports for people with Cystic Fibrosis in Ireland. 

Please support Cystic Fibrosis Ireland on 65 Roses Day, by donating online at 65roses.ie or purchasing a purple rose in participating Dunnes Stores or other outlets nationwide.