Cystic Fibrosis fundraiser set to bloom in Cork on 65 Roses Day

THE people of Cork are being urged to help Cystic Fibrosis Ireland meet its fundraising target of €300,000 this 65 Roses Day.

On Friday, April 12, volunteers will be out in force selling purple roses at Douglas Village Shopping Centre, Dunnes Stores on Main Street in Ballincollig, Mahon Point Shopping Centre, Paul Street Shopping Centre, and Wilton Shopping Centre.

Cystic Fibrosis Ireland (CFI) is calling on the people of Cork to show their support to raise much-needed funds for people in Cork living with the condition.

Funds raised will help to provide exercise equipment, counselling sessions, and grants for people with cystic fibrosis (CF) undergoing a transplant or fertility assessment, or families who have recently been bereaved.

Funds also go to support CF research, the building of new CF hospital facilities and funding of specialist staff.

Cystic Fibrosis is an inherited chronic disease that primarily affects the lungs and the digestive system. It affects more than 1,400 people in Ireland.

Speaking about the campaign, Ben McCarthy from Youghal, who lives with CF said: “I am the youngest of four and the only one with CF. My eldest sister carries the CF gene while my other brother and sister are all clear. Having lived with CF all my life, I try to see it as a friend.

“It doesn’t impact my day-to-day life but that said, I have a cocktail of medication to keep me well but it has always been that way so, as much as I can, I don’t let it stop me. Last year, I was delighted to graduate from SETU in Waterford with a degree in engineering.

“My family are very involved in CFI — as dad is the chairperson of the Cork branch — and as a family impacted by CF, we understand the support that families in Ireland need when navigating a diagnosis or life with the condition.

“So, on April 12, we are asking people to get out and support 65 Roses Day to help CFI and the regional branches continue to offer that support.

To donate purchase a purple rose in participating stores or visit https://www.65roses.ie.