Almost €12,000 has been handed over to the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA) this week, thanks to a recent fundraising venture undertaken by the O’Callaghan family in Mitchelstown, who donated the cost of a cuppa at their Mitchelstown restaurant and deli.
Pat O’Callaghan and family gathered this week to present the massive cheque for €11,962 to Marie Reavy of the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association.
Kate O’Callaghan said that she and her family had been overwhelmed with the generosity of local people who donated to the cause.
“It’s been amazing – there’s been massive support and we were overwhelmed with how many people dropped in to donate.
“We thought we would make €500 but this is just extraordinary. The plan was to donate the price of a cup of coffee or cup of tea from each customer who came to the shop. We were amazed at the amount raised, it’s amazing.”
The idea for the fundraiser came from Kate’s father Pat, who is dealing with the disease having been recently diagnosed. He received a letter from the IMNDA about their tea party fundraising idea.
“We just want to thank everyone for all their help and massive support,” Kate told The Avondhu.
