Galbally Duo’s Fundraising Success for Cystic Fibrosis

A Galbally family, supported by relatives, neighbours and friends, have just completed an inspirational fundraising effortand raised the incredible sum of £27,800 for the Cystic Fibrosis Unit at Royal
Belfast Hospital for Sick Children (RBHSC). ‘Miles for Cystic Fibrosis’ was launched by siblings Séana Quinn and Fergal O’Donnell in April 2016 and was in recognition of the support received by 4-year old Darsaí Quinn who was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis when only 4 weeks old.

The campaign spanned a number of months and included a series of very successful events including a collection at Canny Man Community Arts 16:16 Musical in which Darsaí’s mother and brother starred in; a
fun run and walk on Sunday 3^rd July in Galbally which over 500
people took part; ‘50 Throw’s’ by the judo club Darsaí attends Ren-Bu-Kan, Dungannon; and the completion of the Outlaw Ironman event in Nottingham in July by Darsaí’s uncle, Fergal consisting of a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride and 26.2 mile run.

Darsaí has just started primary school in St. Joseph’s Primary School, Galbally, and has battled gamely with his Cystic Fibrosis diagnosis which is an inherited disease caused by a faulty gene. This
gene controls the movement of salt and water in and out of your cells, so the lungs and digestive system become clogged with mucus, making it harder to breath and digest food.

For Darsaí, his daily routine consists of a cocktail of medication, nebulisers and physiotherapy along with creon granules every time he eats, which helps to digest his food properly as he is pancreatic
insufficient. Despite this, his mother Séana and the family are delighted with the progress he has made and said, ‘Darsaí is a very happy wee fella who is full of beans and never stops talking. Sometimes he gets frustrated when the physio has to be done and he would prefer to be out playing, but he understands that he needs to get it done to keep him as healthy as possible. People with Cystic Fibrosis often look perfectly healthy. We are always mindful that the condition can critically escalate at any moment.’

Séana continued by highlighting her deep sense of gratitude to everyone who played a part in the campaign. ‘We are completely
overwhelmed by the support from everyone who contributed and have no doubt tha tthe funds will enhance the experience for children and families of Cystic Fibrosis patients attending the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children, Belfast. We also believe the campaign has helped raised awareness of Cystic Fibrosis which was really important,’ said Séana.

Dr Alastair Reid, Consultant Cystic Fibrosis Pediatrician at the RBHSC thanked everyone involved and added ‘The Cystic Fibrosis Charitable Funds that are raised help provide additional support to children with CF throughout Northern Ireland. Funds are used to provide new equipment and fund research that isn’t provided within the NHS.’