Abbey’s Army braved wind, snow and hailstones at the Forty-Foot
By Laura Lyne
MEMBERS of Templeogue United FC became soldiers of Abbey’s Army last weekend, as they entered the sea at the Forty-Foot to fundraise for Bee for Battens.
The event was held in support of brave four-year-old Abbey McGuinness from Tallaght, who was diagnosed with Battens Disease back in May and was featured in The Echo in September and December.
As previously reported in The Echo, Battens disease will see Abbey lose her motor skills and sight and eventually end up bed-bound on a feeding tube, with doctors unable to tell the family how long she will survive.
Esther McCarroll, who helped to organise the day and whose family is involved with Templeogue United FC, spoke to The Echo following the event.
She said: “Everyone who took part and organised the event were thrilled that they did it, especially as they got to meet Abbey.
“On the day, it was snowing and there were hailstones so the group was unable to actually jump off the Forty-Foot but everyone ran into the sea.
“After that, we all went back to the club where there was tea and sandwiches for everyone.
“Abbey, her sister Kyra and her parents John and Linda came along on the day and then came back to the club so everyone was delighted about that as they got to meet Abbey.
“Abbey’s cousins play in the Academy here, so everyone had heard about Abbey and about Batten’s disease beforehand.
“It was great to see so many young people take part and it really was a great day even if everyone couldn’t jump into the sea in the end!”
Donations to Abbey’s Army and in support of Bee for Battens can be made online via the Templeogue United Facebook page.
Support for Abbey and her family can be given online on the Abbey’s Army Facebook page, which includes regular updates from Abbey and her family.
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