Kilkenny people urged to support Cystic Fibrosis Ireland ahead of 65 Roses Day

Kilkenny people are being urged to help Cystic Fibrosis Ireland meet its fundraising target of €300,000 on 65 Roses Day, taking place on Friday, April 12.

Volunteers will be out in force selling purple roses in Kilkenny and across the country, in Dunnes Stores, shopping centres and other participating outlets nationwide, including;Dunnes Stores, MacDonagh Junction, Dunnes Stores, Kieran Street, EuroSpar, Newpark Shopping Centre, Johnswell Road and Market Cross Shopping Centre.

Cystic Fibrosis is an inherited chronic disease that primarily affects the lungs and the digestive system.  Ireland has the highest incidence of CF in the world and some of the most severe types. There are more than 1,400 people living with CF in Ireland and the number is increasing each year as a result of improvements in treatment and care.

Funds raised on 65 Roses Day will help to provide exercise equipment, counselling sessions, and grants for people with CF undergoing a transplant, fertility assessment or families with CF who have recently been bereaved. Funds also go to support Cystic Fibrosis research and the building of new CF hospital facilities and the funding of specialist CF staff.

Supporting the campaign this year and encouraging the public to get involved is Andrew Tyrrell (29) from Loughboy. Andrew is a Masters student at the University of Hull studying nutrition and dietetics.

“I was diagnosed when I was one. Before that I was severely malnourished and doctors in Kilkenny were unsure why I was unable to properly digest food. Once I was diagnosed, I was able to receive the right treatment and became a very sporty child,” Andrew explains.

 “I still have to manage my diet carefully and have a regular daily exercise regime, as sport and exercise are crucial for people with CF to stay healthy. I’m doing well at the moment and am asking everyone to get involved and support 65 Roses Day to help CFI continue to provide supports like the Exercise Grant to people with CF in Ireland.”

65 Roses Day derives its name from the way in which young children often first say the words "cystic fibrosis" and seeks to raise much-needed funds for Cystic Fibrosis services and supports for people with Cystic Fibrosis in Ireland.

Cystic Fibrosis Ireland is calling on the people of Kilkenny to show support for 65 Roses Day this year and to buy a purple rose to help raise much needed funds for people in Kilkenny living with CF.

Please support Cystic Fibrosis Ireland on 65 Roses Day, Friday, April 12 by donating online at 65roses.ie or purchasing a purple rose in participating Dunnes Stores, Shopping Centres and other outlets nationwide.