John O’Callaghan our friend & neighbour MND journey

Background to Fundraiser for John

In June 2022 our lovely neighbour & friend John, his wife Anne, his girls Kate Aine & Jill were given the worst news that would change their lives forever.

John was diagnosed with spinal motor neurone disease.

This is a disease that affects the nerves in the brain & spinal cord which progresses leading to the inability to walk, talk, eat & breathe.

This was a devastating blow to John Anne & the girls. Up to now Anne and the girls together with wonderful help from the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA) & others have been able to provide care / support to John since his diagnosis.

The point has now been reached where John's condition has significantly deteriorated therefore needing more care, with planned adaptation of his home to enable this.

It is Johns express wish to remain at home for as long as is possible.

Building works have been costed & HSE approved for the provision of a downstairs bedroom with wet room facilities, hospital standard hoisting equipment & eye stimulation technology so that John can continue to communicate as his condition changes.

A partial grant has been approved for this work but there is a significant shortfall

In addition the other need for John is a car adapted to his needs to get out of the house as his health journey progresses.

This would mean so much to John from a psychological perspective as I'm sure everyone understands.

A drive to look at the sea in the summer!

We aim to fundraise for both.

Life without question is difficult for the O'Callaghan's & especially John at present but I know with the help of family, friends & neighbours this journey can be made easier for him to navigate. He deserves that.

A Go Fund Me page has been set up to try to raise these much-needed funds.

Any donation big or small will be so gratefully accepted & appreciated very much.

We ask everyone please to share this page with all your family & friends.

The generosity & kindness of people is what sustains us in difficult times.

Once John's needs are met, any surplus funds will be donated to the IMNDA.

May we thank ye in advance for any help in this fundraising endeavour.

Brenda, Fachtna, Joan, Margaret, Mary & Noelle.