I am honoured to be a Patron of the Paddy Kierans Memorial Walk for Cystic Fibrosis Ireland (CFI).
Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is an inheritedchronic disease that primarily affects the lungs and digestive system. A defective gene and its protein cause the body to produce a thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs, causing life-threatening lung infections and obstructs the pancreas, preventing natural enzymes helping the body to break down and absorb food. The impact of CF can vary from one person to another. Ireland has the highest prevalence of Cystic Fibros is in the World and has the most severe forms of Cystic Fibrosis in the World. The life expectancy of a person with CF ranges worldwide due to access to treatments, but in Ireland the predicted median age of survival is early to mid 30s.
Cystic Fibrosis Ireland was set up in 1963 to increase knowledge and awareness of CF and to provide information, services & support to people with CF and their families. Today CFI is the leading national organisation dedicated to improving the quality of life of people with cystic fibrosis and their families across Ireland. It does this through providing information, advice and advocacy, offering grant assistance, undertaking research, funding state-of-the-art dedicated cystic fibrosis health facilities, and advancing the development of lung transplantation in Ireland.
Fundraising is a vital source of income for Cystic Fibrosis Ireland and the Paddy Kierans Memorial Walk is a key fundraising event. The walk takes place annually in various locations across Europe in September 2014, I took part in my first walk to Austria. I joined 33 people on the Walk to the
Sound of Music and can honestly say it was one of the best experiences of my life. Not only did we raise much needed funds for Cystic Fibrosis Ireland to support people with cystic fibrosis and their families, but we had a great time doing it and made many new friends. This year the walk takes place in Montenegro and I am delighted to once again be taking part. If you would like to join me on the Paddy Kierans Memorial Walk to Montenegro which takes place from September 27th to October 4th, click here to download the application form or contact Nuala in Cystic Fibrosis Ireland on (01)496 2433 or email: nmcauley@cfireland.ie
2015 is the 21st anniversary of the Paddy Kierans Walk so I can guarantee it will be a special occasion to be a part of.
Thank you all so very much for your support. Be sure to check back here for regular updates on my involvement with Cystic Fibrosis Ireland.
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Below are some images of the 2014 Walk to the Sound of Music in Austria. If you are unable to take part, you can support this fantastic fundraiser by donating to my fundraising page
Mary
