Celbridge Woman Who Lost Sister To CF Calls For People To Support Today's Fundraiser

This year's 65 Roses Day, in aid of Cystic Fibrosis, has a goal of €300,000

People in Kildare are being urged to help Cystic Fibrosis Ireland meet its fundraising target of €300,000 today (Friday 10th of April).

Volunteers across the county will be selling purple roses to support fundraising for 65 Roses Day in Dunnes Stores branches, in Clane, Maynooth Naas and Newbridge, as well as Whitewater Shopping Centre, Main Street, Newbridge.

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is an inherited condition that affects multiple systems including breathing, digestion and reproduction.

Ireland has the highest rate of CF per capita in the world, with many people living with the most severe forms. There is no cure, and CF typically becomes more complex over time.

Among those encouraging people in Kildare to go out and support Cystic Fibrosis Ireland on 65 Roses Day this year is Elise Wickham from Kildare.  

Speaking on this mornings Kildare Today, she spoke about her sister Aislinn who lost her life to CF 15 years ago.

"She was born in 1987 with CF and she was very sick, she had two surgeries on her bowels in her first week, and she lived in hospital for the first two years of her life."

"She spent her life in and out hospital," she added.

Sadly, Aislinn passed away in 2011 at 23 years-of-age.

"I carry her with me everyday in everything I do. She was full of life, full of energy."

Ms Wickham also spoke on the show about the work that Cystic Fibrosis Ireland have done in terms of support and investment in hospital facilities, as well as the improvement of treatments.

"Treatments have massively improved, people are living longer lives which is incredible."

However, she admitted that CF still provides challenges in terms of reproductive issues and starting families, as well as the need for grants and  financial assistance in order to "live their life".

The name of the annual Cystic Fibrosis Ireland fundraising campaign, 65 Roses Day, stems from how young children often pronounce “cystic fibrosis” and its objective is to raise vital funds for CF services and supports throughout Ireland.

People can support Cystic Fibrosis Ireland on 65 Roses Day by purchasing a purple rose at Dunnes Stores and other participating outlets. For more information and to donate online, visit www.65roses.ie.