Paul Smith, Kilkenny based MND campaigner, to be laid to rest today

The late Paul Smith, who campaigned to raise funds and awareness of Motor Neuron Disease, will be laid to rest in Kilkenny today, Tuesday.

Since his diagnosis with Motor Neuron Disease (MND) in the April of 2021, Paul, supported by his amazing family and friends, had worked tirelessly not only to raise funds to cover the costs associated with his treatment but also to fund future treatment developments and supports for people with MND, and support the Irish Motor Neuron Disease Association.

His fundraising community, All Paul Together, formed a partnership with the Atlantic Technological University and ART Health Solutions to fund and lead novel research related to lifestyle factors that impact MND sufferers. They also sought funds to develop an online platform that is easy to access for all MND sufferers and provides evidence-based resources and information to help support their day-to-day lives.

Over the last three years the community rallied around to support events in Kilkenny, the UK and as far away as Australia and the USA.

Paul, who was 47 and lived at Meadow Way, is survived by his loving wife Natasha, son James and daughter Holly Mai, brother Matt, mother Pauline, father Les, mother-in-law Vonnie Byrne, father-in-law Jim Byrne, uncles and aunts, brother-in-law Dave, sisters-in-law Claudine and Rachel, nephews Sam and Joseph, niece Lana, relatives, neighbours and friends.

His funeral will take place at 11am this morning (Tuesday) in St Colman's Church, Clara, (Eircode R95 K290), with burial in the adjoining cemetery. The Requiem mass will be live streamed on the following link https://www.churchcamlive.ie/clara-parish-live-stream/   Paul's family would like to thank all the nurses and carers, the IMNDA association for all their help and support., all the family and friends over the past 3 years.