The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
A ‘cuppa’ to help national charity
KERRY PLAYED A PART IN HELPING RAISE FUNDS FOR MOTOR NEURONE
IN April of this year Madeline Woulfe was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. The news amid the Covid-19 pandemic came as a shock to her and her daughter, Mari, but both have been overcome by the support they have received from the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA). TO say thanks to this vital charity, Mari, who is from Ballymacelligott decided to take part in the annual fundraiser ‘Drink Tea for MND’ last weekend. This year the event was virtual with groups across Kerry taking part in the initiative.
SUCH was the success of Mari’s fundraiser that she managed to raise more than €8,000 for the national charity.
“I wanted to get involved from my own personal experience with the IMNDA. I wanted to pay them back for the support they gave us,” explained Mari.
“I believe strongly that they should be the first point of contact. I found them on Google but I want people to know about them to learn about the disease and get a better understanding of it.”
“Since we found them we have been in constant contact. It is like I walked into a family that were ready to look after us. Even during the pandemic their nurse came to Kerry to us like an angel. I can’t talk highly enough of them.”
This prompted Mari to contact local coffee shops to help her raise money and The Bean in Dingle, The Glasshouse, the Little Cheese Shop and The Roast House in Tralee all came on board to help Mari giving away free coffees to those who donated to the worthy cause and in the process helping Mari raise the amazing €8,000 for the charity.
“I am shocked. I never dream I would raise that much.”
More funds are still coming in and Mari is urging everyone to support the charity that has helped her and her mother so much.
The link for the fundraiser is on http:// fundraise.imnda.ie/fundraisers/mariwoulfe.
Meanwhile in Killarney, Mayor Michael Gleeson also came on board with the national fundraiser.
In one of his last duties as Mayor he supported the virtual tea day with friends and Christy Lehane of the Kerry Friends of Motor Neurone who support all those with the condition in Kerry. The local charity took