Sport and exercise are important for everyone especially as it has a huge range of physical and mental health benefits that enable and empower us to lead healthy, happy lives.

People with bleeding disorders, such as Haemophilia are often discouraged or excluded from taking part in sport, especially as children. This comes from a lack of understanding or miseducation around bleeding disorders and we need your help for this stigma to change.

Sports Day is about getting off the sidelines, breaking down barriers and getting involved.

About the The Haemophilia Society- It is the only UK-wide charity for everyone with a bleeding disorder. One in 2,000 people in the UK have a diagnosed bleeding disorder. Through information, events and advocacy, they work to empower them to manage their condition effectively.

Why is the Haemophilia Society so important to us? Haemophilia A is a genetic condition in the O’Reilly family and affects many family members in various different ways. The society has massively helped both Ivy and I to understand the condition in more depth, feel more positive about her diagnosis and in turn help to break down endless barriers associated with the condition. It has also empowered us to strive for and promote a healthy, happy and fulfilled life for those with a bleeding disorder in 2026, with positivity and determination.

Ivy is both a keen and talented swimmer and dancer, and we couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate her successes and achievements in these sports than encouraging her friends to take part in some fundraising with us.

On Tuesday 15th September we are holding a sponsored swim at Calderstones School at 7pm where the aim will be for Ivy and friends to swim the length of the River Mersey. Roughly this is 10 swimmers swimming approximately 6 lengths.

Swimsound, where Ivy attends lessons, have been fantastic in supporting us with this and we cannot thank them enough for the use of the pool and donating a life guard to supervise.

All money raised will have a huge impact on the society, enabling vitally important research and services, for females in particular, to continue. This is something that is very important to us both.

Thank you for all your support, we are forever grateful.

Love Gráinne & Ivy xx