Tipperary grandmother has raised almost €1 million for Motor Neurone Disease Association

Eileen Boland was recently presented with a Lifetime Achievement award by the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA) to recognise over 20 years of fundraising for the association, following the passing of her husband Charlie in 2003.

Since then, 82-year-old grandmother Eileen has raised the staggering amount of almost €1 million for the IMNDA.

Her most recent fundraiser was a sponsored headshave in March, which generated almost €10,000.

She said it would be her last big fundraiser for the association.

The annual awards ceremony took place in the Salesforce Building in Dublin.

Eileen from Lisnatubrid, Ballypatrick, Clonmel, has abseiled from the roof of Croke Park and taken part in skydives, sponsored walks and mini marathons to generate funds for the IMNDA, which she says was a tower of strength when her late husband Charlie was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease at the relatively young age of 48.

“The IMNDA were marvellous.

“Thanks to them we were able to care for Charlie at home,” she said.