Charity draw: win a Belgian Blue breeding heifer – for a tenner
When it comes to fundraising the close-knit communities of Moyvore, Milltown and Ballymore are phenomenal, but this time they have surpassed themselves with a novel and innovative campaign to raise funds for a nine-year-old boy who is being treated for a rare neurological disease. They are raffling a Belgian Blue breeding heifer, a €1,000 Husqvarna voucher, two tickets to see Manchester United play at Old Trafford and more exciting prizes.
From tractor runs, to marathons to Honda 50 runs, these communities have been involved in all types of fundraising events for years and have been successful in raising funds for great causes. Bryan’s Belgian Blue raffle, their latest venture, was launched only last week and is already racking up incredible support.
The communities were devastated when Bryan Pendred, one of their younger members, became critically ill last September. He was due to start third class in Milltown NS and to make his First Holy Communion at the end of the month. Unfortunately, just days after buying his Communion suit in Sullivan’s Menswear in Mullingar, Bryan was transferred to ICU in Crumlin Children’s Hospital.
After weeks of tests, he was eventually diagnosed with a rare neurological disease, NMDA receptor encephalitis, a condition first recognised in 2007 that affects one in 1.5 million. Bryan has spent the last two months in Crumlin, where the medical, nursing and care staff continue to do everything they can to get him better.
The aim of the fundraiser is to help Bryan on his road to recovery and give him every support possible to make the journey easier.
The fundraiser was initiated by close friends of Bryan’s mother Sarah Pendred, Biddy and Stacey Ruddy and Dot McCormack, who wanted to help during a challenging time. Soon a large committee was formed under chairperson, Ollie Mulvey, and assistant chairperson, Anne Marie Creagh, to explore how best to raise funds.
Bryan is a talented sportsman who plays football with Millmore Gaels, mentored by his mam Sarah, hurls with Fr Dalton’s and plays rugby with Mullingar Rugby Club. He also has a keen interest in farming, and with that in mind, committee members Geraldine Maguire, Colm Nolan and John Kelly discussed the possibility of raffling a breeding heifer and so the campaign started.
Businesses were approached and the support that has been shown so far has been incredible. A superb Belgian Blue breeding heifer has been donated, along with a €1000 Husqvarna voucher from CL Hire, and Manchester United tickets donated by Crewe Orlando, as well as many more prizes.
A spokesperson for the committee said they have been “blown away” by the support of local businesses, sports clubs and members of the community. We all knew that community spirit was strong around here, but the level of support for this “very special little boy” and his family has exceeded all our expectations, she said. The committee thank everyone who has supported the fundraiser in any way, donating prizes, buying tickets or sharing their Facebook page.
The raffle will take place on December 4 in McCawley’s, Moyvore. Tickets are €10 and are on sale online at bryansbelgianblue.com and in local shops, McCawley’s and J Grennan and Sons in Moyvore, and Rooney’s and Cunningham’s in Ballymore or from any committee member. Donations can also be made through the website or to committee members.