‘I just couldn’t believe the support I got’

LIXNAW woman Mairead Kelliher Enright was left speechless as seemingly her entire home village and many more turned out on Saturday morning for a walk she had organised in aid of the debilitating condition she has lived with since childhood.

Dystonia is the third most common neurological illness in Ireland after Parkinson’s and Motor Neuron. But surprisingly few of us are familiar with its name even.

Not a sinner in Lixnaw is unfamiliar with it any longer thanks to Mairead’s work in organising Saturday’s 5km walk for Dystonia Ireland; part of a nationwide drive to raise awareness of the illess and funds into researching possible cures and therapies.

“I just couldn’t believe the turnout I had with more than 200 walking. I’m still in shock to be honest!” Mairead told The Kerryman following the event.

She had expected between 50 to 100, in the hope of raising around €1,000 for Dystonia Ireland.

“We’ve as much as €4,000 raised already and there are still cards to come in so we’ ll probably reach the €5,000 mark. It’s incredible!”

Mairead was delighted to see so many of her work colleagues from Kerry University Hospital out in support of the cause as well.

And she thanked all in her home village for their support as seen in the numbers wearing the distinctive red Dystonia Ireland t-shirts on the morning.

“The whole village turned out and all the businesses were just fantastic, including the Dew Drop Inn where we left from and returned to for refreshments at the end.”

Shops donated food and caterer Pádraig Dennehy was on hand to ensure none left the village ravenous after the trekking. The route saw the 200 heading up to Foley’s Cross over the bog walk at Ballinagearagh and back to the Dew Drop.

Mairead was delighted to have been in the thick of it all. Just last May she underwent a brain implant that has tranformed her life for the better.

Photos by Domnick Walsh Dystonia Ireland walk organiser Mairead Kelliher Enright out front of The Dew Drop Inn and at the head of the great gang who came out on Saturday for the 5km fundraiser in aid of services and research into the neurological condition.

Photos by Domnick Walsh Gentle giants Blaze, left with Tralee owner Pat Kelleher and Savannah and Louis, above, with owner Andrea Fealy from Lixnaw.

Tralee families the Dowlings and Moriartys were out in force in support of the great fundraiser in Lixnaw.

The newly-formed Lixnaw First Responders Group, on hand to keep everyone safe during Saturday’s walk in aid of Dystonia Ireland.

James Treanor, Lixnaw, Rosie Silles and Sarena Griffin, Ardfert

Paul Montgomery and Annicka Wann, Lixnaw, with Peanut and Pearl dressed for the elements.