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

Leitrim people are being urged to help Cystic Fibrosis Ireland meet its fundraising target of €300,000 on 65 Roses Day, which will take place nationwide on Friday, April 12.

Volunteers will be out in force selling purple roses in Leitrim and across the country, in Dunnes Stores, shopping centres and other participating outlets.

Cystic Fibrosis is an inherited chronic disease primarily affecting the lungs and the digestive system.  

Ireland has the highest incidence of CF in the world and some of the most severe types. More than 1,400 people are 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 provide exercise equipment, counselling sessions, and grants for people with CF undergoing a transplant, fertility assessment, or recently bereaved families with CF. They will also support Cystic Fibrosis research, the building of new CF hospital facilities, and the funding of specialist CF staff.

Thomas Rutherford from Boyle, Co. Roscommon is supporting the campaign this year and encouraging the public to get involved.

"I am the Dad to two wonderful little girls, twins, both who have CF. When we received their diagnosis, it was a total shock, but we found reassurance knowing that CFI was there with information, support and grants to hand, should we need it.

"I am running the Dublin Marathon in October for CFI and am calling on people to get out and support CFI's national flag day, 65 Roses Day, on Friday April 12 in any way that you can," Thomas said.

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 support for people with Cystic Fibrosis in Ireland.

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.