Jockey backs campaign to help Nicola

Jockey backs campaign to help Nicola

1 February 2017

FAMOUS former jockey Tony Dobbin has kickstarted the latest fundraiser to help a disabled Downpatrick mum access potentially life-changing treatment.

Downpatrick rider Tony, who is known for his 1997 Grand National win on Lord Gylene, has sponsored £500 for a forthcoming spinathon.

The cycle, which will take place outside Santander Bank in Downpatrick on February 18, will help Nicola Feenan raise money for pioneering Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT), which offers hope in her battle against debilitating MS.

The 35 year-old mother of two has just five months to raise £50,000 for the treatment, which she will undergo in Mexico in the summer.

She does not qualify locally for HSCT, which she hopes will help her beat the worst of her symptoms, because of the aggressive nature of her illness.

Nicola, who is wheelchair-bound, is expected to be the first person in Northern Ireland to undergo the experimental treatment after being offered a mid-July date.

She has already raised over £30,000 and the spinathon is the latest event organised on her behalf by Emmanuel McMenamin, from Downpatrick Boxing Club.

Emmanuel said he was delighted by Tony’s sponsorship and by Santander’s commitment to match the money raised through the spinathon up to £2,500.

“We will do everything we can to help Nicola get to Mexico for her treatment in July,” he said.

“The whole community is behind her, as we see through the support we receive for these fundraisers.”