The members of the Galtee Foxhounds club are set to launch a major fundraising drive to assist local motor neurone disease sufferer, Jer Spillane.
Kevin Casey spoke to The Avondhu about the plan, where clubmates will take part in a shave or dye event to raise funds.
“I’m a very proud Limerick man and get a lot of banter from the Tipperary lads in the club, so to help out Jer I’m going to dye my hair the Tipp colours.
“This is a real worthy cause, Jer needs all the help he can get, and five or six of the lads have signed up to shave or dye their hair and raise funds.
“This will take place on Saturday, July 11 and we’ll be setting up a GoFundMe page to collect the money – all of this will go directly to Jer and his family.”
MAJOR CHANGES
Jer Spillane was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in November 2019 at only 38 years of age.
“Jer, his wife Jackie and their two children Noah, seven and Faye, four, are heartbroken since receiving the diagnosis,” Kevin explained. “Since diagnosis, Jer has not been able to return to work. Knowing the complications that motor neurone disease brings, it is inevitable that Jackie will become Jer's full time carer.
“Jer and Jackie are currently living in a rented semi-detached house in Mitchelstown, however, due to this house not being suitable for Jer's future needs, Jackie and Jer are now in the middle of renovating a 300-year-old farmhouse in Kilbehenny, Co. Limerick which was previously owned by Jackie's grandmother.
“This house will be made adaptable for Jer's future needs so that this deserving family will have all the facilities they require in order to make the most of the rest of their lives together as a family of four.”
SUPPORT WELCOME
Kevin said he and his clubmates have been greatly moved by Jer’s story and the trauma suffered by his family.
“Jackie and Jer are very down to earth, honest, loving people who have already had to endure multiple illnesses and tragedies within their own families in the past, so for this illness to now be placed upon them is truly heart breaking.
“Galtee Foxhounds are organising a shave or dye fundraiser in order to help Jackie and Jer with the cost of renovating their new home. All support is greatly appreciated, anyone looking to get involved please contact us through our Facebook page.”
