Fundraising drive to help Downpatrick girl

19 June 2024

A FUNDRAISING campaign has been launched to help a little Downpatrick girl, who is severely autistic.

The family of four year-old Ariana Fernandes needs to raise £20,000 to pay for potentially life-changing stem cell treatment.

As part of the campaign, a fundraising night is being held in Murphy’s Bar in Downpatrick in October.

“Ariana cannot speak, has a poor sleeping routine and suffers from temper tantrums,” says her mum, Gyte.

“She is growing up and getting stronger. When she has these meltdowns it becomes more and more difficult to calm her down.

“She will scream, shout and throw things around. She has no sense of danger and needs to be supervised constantly for her own safety.”

Gyte, who is originally from Lithuania, is pinning her hopes on stem cell treatment, which is available in Panama in Central America – but at a cost.

“It will not be a cure, but it will help her to speak, which would be a start,” she explained. “If it can help my child have a chance of a normal life, it will be worth every penny.

Gyte says that despite her autism and learning difficulties, Ariana is still on a waiting list for a full diagnosis.

She is disappointed by the support she has been shown to date and wants to highlight what she describes as the plight of children like Ariana and their families.

“Ariana is stuck in the system with a lack of support, leaving parents having to find a way to help their children.”

The Fight 4 Ariana fundraising party will be held in Murphy’s Bar on Friday, October 25. Killyleagh musician Conal Montgomery will be providing the entertainment, along with Caleb Hardy and DJ Ricky Mack.

Tickets are £15 each and can be obtained online at Facebook: Gyte Knasaite, or on the night.

A fundraising page has also been set up in which people can make donations.

Appealing for people to support her daughter, Gyte added: “There are plenty of good people around us. And people united can make a miracle.”

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