Kilkenny public set to rally behind brave young man
'The Walk4Ollie' fundraising walk will reach Graignmanagh today (Wednesday)
'Walk4Ollie' takes place all this week until Saturday, July 20 with a 200km+ walk from Dungarvan, Co Waterford to Enfield, Co Meath with numerous locations being visited along the way including Graignamanagh in Co Kilkenny.
The Walk4Ollie is a fundraiser being held by the Hickey family to raise awareness and funds for Muscular Dystrophy Ireland. Last year, the Walk4Ollie fundraiser and other associated projects helped raise over €45,000 for Muscular Dystrophy Ireland.
Graignamanagh is among the locations on the walking route with those taking part expected to reach the Kilkenny town later today (Wednesday) as they make their way from Waterford.
"Our son, Ollie, has a muscular dystrophy called Bethlem myopathy, which is a rare condition affecting the skeletal muscles and connective tissue. Ollie is an amazing kid with a contagious personality that lights up every room, an avid gamer, crazy about soccer, he's a drummer and most of all a kind and lovable child," a post by the Hickey family to the GoFund Me page read.
"I hope you can help us by donating whatever you can or by joining us for some of the route. Raising funds for MDI will help not only raise awareness of all muscular dystrophies, but also help MDI continue to build on providing much needed services to those who need it most," the family concluded.