PUBLIC RALLIES AROUND HOME PLAN
A committee has been put in place to co-ordinate fundraising efforts of the parents of two young women with a rare illness who wish to lead their own independent lives close to the family home.
Kathleen and Hilary Mitchell are currently building two specially adapted apartments for their daughters, Mairead (25) and Aoibheann (26) who have hereditary spastic paraplegia.
This is a rare genetic inherited disorder and both women began to show symptoms in their late teens.
At first they noticed themselves dragging their legs and then they became more prone to falls. As the disease progressed it became necessary to use crutches and a wheelchair. No specific treatment exists to prevent or slow down the progress of this disease.
Their family home is no longer suitable for their needs. Their parents Kathleen and Hilary decided to build two units beside the family home in Knocknarea.
They are ground floor units and will be fitted with non-slip floor finishes, handrails, hoists and other specialized and non-standard equipment.
The final cost of the buildings will be around €300k.The Mitchell sisters are unable to personally fund all the project having put in all their available savings.
Sligo County Council are grant aiding the project with €29k but to secure this grant all building work needs to be completed by January.
There is a shortfall of circa €160k to complete the project. and a GoFundMe account has been set up. Donations to the Mitchell Sisters Independent living can be made directly at AIB Westport, Account: Mitchellsistersind.livingIBAN IE68AIBk93716938430070 Bic: AIBKIE2D
Following media coverage including that in The Sligo Champion, many friends and neighbours rallied round offering support. Hilary said: “It’s heartening to know people are so good. I was seriously anxious wondering how we might complete the build in time.”
Last week a number of locals came together and expressed interest in helping the project along.
People were very positive and the feeling of goodwill towards the girls and the Mitchell family was palpable. With that in mind a committee was formed.
The chairman is Cathal Martyn and vice chair is Pauline Winters. The secretary is Alice Lindsey assisted by Annette O Carroll. Terry Harte and Kevin McGloin are joint treasurers. Fidelma McCarrick and Pauline Winters are social media co-ordinators. The committee will meet every Sunday in Coolera House at 6pm. All interested helpers are invited to attend.
Meanwhile, a number of fundraising events will be taking place over the next month. These include:
· Thur 12 th Oct - Giant Table Quiz in Castle Dargen Hotel at 9pm
· Sat 21st Oct Benefit Night in Coolera House, Music and Craic · Fri 27 th Oct All Day Coffee Morning 11am-11pm. Gay and Seamus Devaney’s, Breeogue.
· Sun 29 th Oct David Mc Guinness is running the Dublin City Marathon. Sponsorship Cards are available from Claire Mitchell ph: 086 100 2312