Roscommon father appeals for support ahead of Cystic Fibrosis fundraiser
Thomas Rutherford with his twin daughters who have Cystic Fibrosis.
A County Roscommon father of twin girls with Cystic Fibrosis is appealing to people to support 65 Roses Day on Friday (tomorrow).
Thomas Rutherford from Boyle, County Roscommon is supporting this year’s campaign for Cystic Fibrosis and is encouraging the public to get involved.
“I am the Dad to two wonderful little girls, twins, both who have CF. When we received their diagnosis, it was a total shock, but we found reassurance knowing that CFI were there with information, supports and grants to hand, should we need it.
“I am running the Dublin Marathon in October for CFI and am calling on people to get out and support CFI’s national flag day, 65 Roses Day, on Friday 12th April in any way that you can.”
Roscommon people are being urged to help Cystic Fibrosis Ireland meet its fundraising target of €300,000 on 65 Roses Day, which takes place on Friday, April 12th (tomorrow) nationwide.
Volunteers will be out in force selling purple roses in County Roscommon and across the country, in Dunnes Stores, shopping centres and other participating outlets.
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.
