Search
  
Contact
  
News
  
Menu
  

Home   /  Local News  /  Tractor Run Event a Tremendous Success

Local News

Tractor Run Event a Tremendous Success

The Do It For Declan committee would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the Newcastle Vintage Club for organizing today's Tractor Run and to everyone who turned out to show their unwavering support for Declan (Denis) O'Halloran and his family.Declan, a 39-year-old father of two from Tipperary, has been living with the heartbreaking diagnosis of Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), a rare and progressive neurological disorder.

Declan, married to Joanne Kenneally from Middleton, Co. Cork, has faced an unimaginable journey since the birth of their son Levi in 2021. What initially seemed like symptoms of multiple sclerosis (MS) became a much more devastating diagnosis of MSA in May 2024.Declan and Joanne, who had planned to return to Ireland from Australia to settle in Declan's home village of Newcastle, had already begun building their dream home when the first signs of Declan's illness appeared. Despite his diagnosis and the challenges that followed, Declan and Joanne continued to work tirelessly to finish the house, relying on their savings and family support. Unfortunately, the progression of Declan's symptoms has left him unable to work, and the financial strain of completing the home while managing his illness has become overwhelming.

MSA is a rare condition that affects fewer than 4.5 people per 100,000, leading to the progressive loss of bodily functions, including balance, coordination, and speech. With no known cure and no effective treatments to stop the progression, Declan's prognosis is devastating. As his symptoms worsen, his ability to continue working on the home has become increasingly difficult, and their rented home is no longer suitable to meet Declan's needs.

The funds raised from today's Tractor Run will be crucial in helping Declan and his family finish their home, which is partially built but requires further adaptations to ensure it meets his future needs. Declan and Joanne are committed to making a life for their two young children, Ava (5) and Levi (3), in the home they've dreamed of. However, the additional financial burden of healthcare and necessary home modifications requires the help of their community.

The Do It For Declan committee and his family are incredibly grateful for the generosity shown so far, and they are calling on continued support from the community to help complete the home and provide for Declan's ongoing medical needs. Time is of the essence, and every contribution, no matter the size, will make a difference in helping this young family create the safe, loving home they so desperately need.

Thank you to everyone who has supported this cause, and for anyone wishing to donate, please visit the official fundraising page or contact the Do It For Declan committee for more details.

Photos from the Tractor run along with the kids run are by Cahir Media.

sample