Longford people urged to support Cystic Fibrosis 65 Roses Day

Longford 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 nationwide.

Volunteers will be out in force selling purple roses in Longford and across the country, in Dunnes Stores, shopping centres and other participating outlets nationwide including Dunnes Stores, Dublin Road, Longford.

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.

PICTURES | Longford crowds treated to spectacular Granard Easter Festival parade

Supporting the campaign this year and encouraging the public to get involved is Jillian McNulty, campaigner, advocate and Ambassador for CFI.

“I was diagnosed with CF when I was a baby. CF not only affects the lungs, but can also impact other systems like the reproductive system, and while you might hear of people with CF needing lung transplants, there are also many of us that have and may have to have kidney transplants too. I had mine last year and am so thankful for the gift my donor gave me,” Jillian explains. 

PICTURES | Style and plenty of fun as Longford folk enjoy Valentine's Ball for Cystic Fibrosis

“So, I am asking everyone to get on board and support 65 Roses Day this year to help CFI to keep providing essential supports like transplant grants and advocacy services to advocate with 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 Longford to show support for 65 Roses Day this year and to buy a purple rose to help raise much needed funds for people in Longford 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.

PICTURES | Plenty of talent on show at Longford Schools Scór in Abbeylara Parish Centre