Flower power: Cystic Fibrosis Ireland calls on Kildare people to support 65 Roses Day 2026

Cystic Fibrosis Ireland (CFI) has called on people throughout County Kildare to support 65 Roses Day 2026.

The 65 Roses fundraiser stems from how young children often pronounce "Cystic Fibrosis" and its objective is to raise vital funds for CF services and supports throughout Ireland.

Volunteers across the country will be selling purple roses in Dunnes Stores branches, shopping centres and other participating outlets in order to support CFI. 

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For this year's iteration of the event, CFI aims to meet its fundraising target of €300,000.

Some Kildare outlets that will participate in 65 Roses Day 2026 will include:

• Dunnes Stores: Clane
• Dunnes Stores: Maynooth
• Dunnes Stores: Naas
• Dunnes Stores: Newbridge
• The Whitewater Shopping Centre, Main Street, Newbridge

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Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is an inherited condition that affects multiple systems including breathing, digestion and reproduction.

Ireland has the highest rate of CF per capita in the world, with more than 1,400 people are living with CF, 33 new cases diagnosed each year and many people living with the most severe forms.

There is no cure for CF, and it often becomes more severe over time.

Thanks to multidisciplinary care and the introduction of modulator therapies, many people with CF are living well into adulthood. 

However, as people age, new challenges can emerge, including CF‑related diabetes, osteoporosis and an increased risk of colorectal cancer. 

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INVESTMENT

According to CFI, the organisation is investing in research to better understand the emerging issues and to provide essential supports to those affected by CF.

These measures include: 

• "A dedicated information and support line offering guidance, reassurance and advice"
• "Targeted financial assistance through a range of grants that help ease the cost of living with CF"
• "Monthly online peer‑support groups that connect people with CF and strength the community"

One person encouraging people throughout Kildare and beyond to go out and support CFI on 65 Roses Day this year is Kildare resident Elise Wickham.

She explained: "15 years ago, my beautiful sister, Aislinn, passed away from CF. She was just 23 years old."

Elise Wickham, pictured with her late sister Aislinn (RIP), is supporting 65 Roses Day 2026. Photograph supplied by CFI

"Now in 2026, the progress the CF Community has made is unreal, and I know Aislinn would be so proud.

"People with CF are living healthier and longer lives but with that comes other challenges, like getting mortgages and travelling without stress, so the work is not yet done."

Elise continued: "On Aislinn's 15th anniversary, I want to help raise awareness and funds to help CFI to continue to support people with CF in Ireland.

"On 65 Roses Day, I'm calling on everyone to buy a rose, visit Dunnes Stores or donate online [because] every donation goes towards supporting people with CF in Ireland."

"We really appreciate your support!" Elise concluded.

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EXHIBITION

In addition, as part of 65 Roses Day 2026, CF ambassadors have penned letters to their future selves, imagining milestones and plans for futures that once felt out of reach.

Children living with CF also took part in a workshop with cartoonist Brendan Lonergan, creating self-portraits of themselves both now and as they envision their future selves.

These artworks and letters, which aim to capture this hopeful shift through deeply personal reflections, form the foundation of a new exhibition titled 'Rewriting Tomorrow'.

This exhibition will take place at The Copper House in Dublin city centre during 65 Roses Week 2026.

It opens on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 and will run until Sunday, April 12, 2026. 

65 Roses Day 2026 will take place on Friday, April 10, 2026.

For further information about CFI and / or to donate online, visit www.65roses.ie.

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