Fashion show to help Nicola get to Mexico for treatment

Fashion show to help Nicola get to Mexico for treatment

22 February 2017

A CAMPAIGN to help a Downpatrick mum secure potentially life-changing treatment for MS is continuing.

There will be a fashion show at the Millbrook Lodge Hotel in Ballynahinch this Friday to help Nicola Feenan fundraise for stem cell treatment she hopes will help her walk again.

The 35 year-old mother of two suffers from debilitating MS and is hopeful that pioneering treatment in Mexico will halt, or even reverse, the worst of her symptoms.

She is unable to avail of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT) through the NHS in the UK because of the progressive nature of her disease and is instead planning to undergo the treatment privately in Mexico.

She is scheduled to travel to a specialist South American clinic in mid-July for the treatment, which will cost £50,000 and includes a gruelling regime of chemotherapy.

Since launching a fundraising campaign for the treatment in September, Nicola has been overwhelmed by public support and recently confirmed that she has exceeded the £30,000 mark.

Friday’s fashion show is the latest in a number of events organised by supporters who are determined to help her raise the remaining money within the next five months.

Other recent events have included a pub quiz, sponsored marathon and spinathon, coffee mornings and raffles.

Friday’s fashion show, which will start at 8pm, will include ladies and gents clothes from local retailers Barn Owl Boutique, Saintfield, Aura Ballynahinch, Nostalgia, Downpatrick, JJ Donnelly, Ballynahinch, SD Kells, Ards, and local designer Gordon Donaldson will also be showcasing his designs.

Tickets, which can be purchased through the email Katmcilmail@me.com, cost £10 and there will be goodie bags for the first 100 guests and prizes for the most stylish outfit of the evening.