Nicola on final leg of fundraising campaign

Nicola on final leg of fundraising campaign

29 March 2017

A DETERMINED Downpatrick mum is battling increasing disability as she awaits pioneering treatment for progressive MS.

Mother-of-two Nicola Feenan must raise £50,000 for a potentially life-changing Hematopioetic Stem Cell Transplant (HSCT) after securing an appointment for the treatment in Mexico this summer.

Having already raised over £40,000 through a series of community events, Nicola is appealing for a last blast of support at a Strictly Come Dancing event at Downpatrick Cricket Club this weekend.

The dance-off, which is one of the last big events of her year-long fundraising campaign, will involve eight couples competing for the top title, followed with music by Island events.

Feeling under increasing pressure to meet her financial target in time for her mid-July appointment, Nicola said is also struggling to maintain her health to ensure she is fit for the treatment.

She said she was particularly concerned due to the “very active and debilitating” symptoms of her disease.

“I’ve been experiencing new symptoms such as paralysis in my body which in the past manifests itself very quickly into more disability, which I’m trying to avoid as that means there is more damage in my brain and spinal cord.  

“Symptoms of spasms and pain have been very debilitating and problematic but hopefully it’ll pass soon.

“I’m trying to get to July then I think I will be breathing a sigh of relief. 

Nicola said she was hopeful of support for Saturday’s event, which is being hosted by her friend Aveen Magorrian. 

“Aveen has put such effort into organising the event. She has been my friend before MS and she remembers how I used to be and we both would love nothing more than to get the old me back and this nightmare to be over,” she said.

“This final push will make such a difference to the campaign.”

Humbled by public support, Nicola said the focus on her campaign had helped her deal with “such a horrible disease” and emerge from the isolation she previously felt.

“I’m definitely more engaged with my local community as before I went to work each day in Newtownards and felt more comfortable with the anonymity of having this disease but no one really knowing,” she said.

“I feel more accepted in a way - though it has always been my choice to hide away.”

Tickets for this weekend’s Strictly Come Dancing are £12 and can be purchased from the dancers, Tel’s Confectionary shop and the Cricket Club.