Dundalk man urges Louth public to support cystic fibrosis appeal

Two Louth people diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis are urging the public to help Cystic Fibrosis Ireland meet its fundraising target of €300,000 on 65 Roses Day, taking place on Friday, 12th April nationwide.

Supporting the campaign this year and encouraging the public to get involved are Jonathan Boylan from Dundalk and Lydia Daly from Termonfeckin.

“I was diagnosed with CF as a baby so having CF is my normal. But there are things I have to consider that others don’t realise. 

“For example, I have to manage my diet carefully, have daily medications and a regular sport regime to factor in every day to stay healthy. 

“I also work for myself and am an Ambassador for CFI to help spread awareness of the condition throughout Ireland – so life is busy!” Jon says.

Lydia explains “I was diagnosed when I was five and was very well as a child. But when I hit my teens, things took a turn for the worst and I was really unwell. So much so I had to leave school indefinitely before completing my Leaving Certificate. 

“Not many people know that this can happen at the teenage years in particular. My future didn’t look bright for a few years but thankfully with advancements in medication, I was eligible for Kaftrio and now I’m in my 30s and things have completely U-turned again. I am in better health than ever before and can plan for the future.

“So, this 65 Roses Day I am asking everyone to get involved and support 65 Roses Day to help CFI continue to provide supports and services to people with CF in Ireland and keep pushing for more advancements until someday we might find a cure for this condition.”

Lydia Daly

Volunteers will be out in force selling purple roses in Louth and across the country, in Dunnes Stores, shopping centres and other participating outlets nationwide, including;

• Dunnes Stores, Castletown Road, Dundalk
• Dunnes Stores, Marshes Shopping Centre, Marshes Avenue, Dundalk
• Dunnes Stores, Hoeys Lane, Dundalk
• Dunnes Stores, West Street, Drogheda
• Dunnes Stores, Scotch Hall Shopping Centre, Marsh Road, Drogheda
• Dunnes Stores, Southgate Shopping Centre, Colpe Cross, Drogheda
• Dunnes Stores, 4 West Street, Drogheda

Cystic Fibrosis is an inherited chronic disease that primarily affects the lungs and the digestive system.  Ireland has the highest incidence of CF in the world and some of the most severe types. 

There are more than 1,400 people living with CF in Ireland and the number is increasing each year as a result of improvements in treatment and care.

Funds raised on 65 Roses Day will help to provide exercise equipment, counselling sessions, and grants for people with CF undergoing a transplant, fertility assessment or families with CF who have recently been bereaved. Funds also go to support Cystic Fibrosis research and the building of new CF hospital facilities and the funding of specialist CF staff.

 65 Roses Day derives its name from the way in which 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.

Cystic Fibrosis Ireland is calling on the people of Louth to show support for 65 Roses Day this year and to buy a purple rose to help raise much needed funds for people in Louth living with CF.

Please support Cystic Fibrosis Ireland on 65 Roses Day, Friday 12th April by donating online at 65roses.ie or purchasing a purple rose in participating Dunnes Stores, Shopping Centres and other outlets nationwide.