The event is to help Nicola get to Mexico

The event is to help Nicola get to Mexico

30 November 2016

THE latest in a series of fundraising initiatives to raise £50,000 to send a disabled Downpatrick mum to Mexico for experimental treatment that could help her walk again takes place in the town next weekend.

Downpatrick Cricket Club is hosting a Super Santa Sunday on December 11 between 1pm and 4pm to raise money to help Nicola Feenan who was diagnosed with MS nine years ago and is now wheelchair bound.

The 35 year-old mother of two has signed up for a gruelling pioneering regime to treat her multiple sclerosis because of her love for her children and with the disease now in a progressive phase, she struggles to walk and suffers agonising back pain.

Nicola is hopeful for the first time in 10 years after learning about the treatment that may halt the disease and even reverse her condition and having read news reports about the life-changing impact of HSCT (Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation) on fellow MS sufferers she has added her name to a 12-month waiting list for the gruelling regime of chemotherapy and stem cell treatment.

A number of fundraisers have already been held to support Nicola with Downpatrick man, Emmanuel McMenamin, hoping to swell the coffers further.

“A lot of people are supporting Nicola and hope the £50,000 she needs can be raised to help send her to Mexico,” he said. “The forthcoming event at Downpatrick Cricket Club is a real family-themed event so close to Christmas and we hope it will be well supported.”

Santa will be making a guest appearance and the Magnus Vikings will be there with bouncy castles. There will be a tombola stand and lots more.

Emmanuel, who is working alongside Nicola’s sister Gillian Rea who is spearheading the fundraising campaign, said he never ceases to be amazed by the generosity of local people when it comes to helping those less fortunate and hopes the event will be well supported.

“A lot of people and businesses have donated their time and talent, including John Magee and SP Bouncy Castles. Anyone who would like to donate items for the tombola can leave them at the Cricket Club,” he said.

Emmanuel said children who wish to see Santa and receive a present and have their photo taken with him pay £7. The entry free for children to all the attractions is £4.50.

He added: “The event is being organised to help Nicola make it to Mexico. Because she does not qualify for HSCT in the UK she needs to raise £50,000 over the next year to fund the treatment.

“Many people are working hard to get her there and we hope next weekend’s event will help Nicola achieve her goal of getting the treatment she hopes will help her condition.”

Donations can also be made via: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/helpnicolabeatms