Niamh inspires Remembrance Walk in support of cystic fibrosis
By Mary Dennehy
THIS Saturday nationwide Remembrance Walks will take place to remember and celebrate the lives of those lost to cystic fibrosis, with the Tallaght walk inspired by an 11-year-old girl who passed away last year.
Living in Millbrook Lawns, Luke Kennedy has organised the 6.5km Remembrance Walk in memory of his niece Niamh who, from Crumlin, passed away from cystic fibrosis last September.
Luke Kennedy holding a photo of his niece Niamh
Luke, whose seven-year-old son Matthew also has cystic fibrosis, hopes that the walk in Tallaght will remember Niamh alongside raising funds, awareness and support for Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Ireland.
“Niamh passed away six months ago from cystic fibrosis, she was only 11 years old and looking forward to making her confirmation”, Luke said.
“My son Matthew is seven and also has cystic fibrosis.
“Our families have seen the importance of raising funds for CF.”
He added: “The walk is important to me for two reasons.
“Firstly showing our support to my brother and his wife during this time.
“It’s a day when we can get all our friends and family out in joint support and remember Niamh together.
“Secondly it’s about raising awareness for cystic fibrosis, we have seen a major shift in the new medications for CF in that they are no longer trying to treat the symptoms but trying to treat the underlying cause at a genetic level.
“This is a big step forward but we are still a long time away from any type of cure to CF.”
The walk will take place this Saturday, April 13, with members of the community invited to gather at Scholars pub in the Old Court shopping centre at 1.30pm.
The walk will leave the shopping centre at 2pm, which will coincide with nationwide walks, and loop around the Firhouse area and back to Scholars.
Luke has invited all members of the community to take part in the 6.5km walk, and to help raise funds and awareness for CF Ireland.
Those who have a family member or friend with cystic fibrosis or who would like to remember somebody who has passed away from the disease are encouraged to come along.
People are invited to turn up on the day, with the cost for adults to participate being €10.
All money raised will go to CF Ireland, a voluntary organisation set up by parents in 1963 to improve the treatment and facilities for people with Cystic Fibrosis in Ireland.
Alongside providing practical support to families, CF Ireland advocates to shape Government policy, funds medical and scientific research and specialist cystic fibrosis multidisciplinary posts in hospitals nationwide.
The organisation also provides advice and information services, exercise and transplant grants and bereavement counselling.
This Friday is also CF Ireland’s national fundraising day, 65 Roses Day.
For further information on CF Ireland, or to register online for a Remembrance Walk, visit www.cfireland.ie
