Charity Fashion Sale a Great Success

Friendship and Community Spirit is alive and well in Maynooth, County Kildare. The wonderful success of Friday night’s Charity Fashion Sale in aid of The Alpha One Foundation is a testament to everyone involved.

The event was organised by 3 Alpha-1 patients Josephine McGuirk, Crea Sheahan and well known local woman Orla Keane. We were overwhelmed by the amazing support of friends, family, local business and of course the community who arrived in great numbers and helped us to raise over €5,000 for the Foundation which is a Research Charity for genetic respiratory and liver disease.

Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency (Alpha-1) is an inherited genetic condition and along with Cystic Fibrosis it is the commonest fatal disease in Ireland. It is estimated to affect more than 2000 people nationally.

Orla Keane (left) pictured with some of the wonderful supporters having a well-earned tea break after many hours of preparation for the event…compliments to Alan Heywood-Jones and his wife Dawn from Alpha Europe Foundation (AEF) who kindly flew in from Madrid to support us, many thanks to them.

We would very much like to acknowledge and thank

• The Glen Royal Hotel (Who donated the venue) Helen, Kate and all their lovely staff.

• Caitríona and staff of The Glen Royal Leisure Centre – All the wonderful Members for their time, help and enthusiasm that made such a successful night possible…Thank you so much!

• Susan Sharkey from Dunnes Stores Maynooth who kindly donated the use of clothes rails and helped organise the van and Mick the wonderful & helpful driver.

• Jim O’Rourke who braved an army of women to help.

• Kitty O’Connor – CEO Alpha One Foundation for her help on the night, her encouragement and for rallying the gang at Beaumont for donations of clothes, spot prizes etc.

• And finally Suzie and her lovely family for all their help, thanks!