Family 'overwhelmed' as almost €150k is raised for Join Our Boys appeal
The Naughton family from Roscommon have said they're "overwhelmed" by the public response to a Christmas appeal on behalf of their three children, which has resulted in almost €150,000 being raised in the last two weeks.
The 'Join Our Boys' Trust is hoping to raise a total of €300,000 to complete the fit-out of a purpose-built house for Archie (15), George (11), and Isaac (11) Naughton, who each live with the life-limiting illness, Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD).
The boys' parents, Paula and Padraic Naughton today (Monday) issued a heartfelt 'thank you' for the overwhelming public and business support towards this cause.
In 2012 Archie was aged six, and the twins George and Isaac were two and a half, when all three were diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.
DMD is a terminal muscle wasting disease which will eventually impact on the boys' ability to walk, use their limbs, or even hug the people they love.
Archie, George, and Isaac are all paralysed and in wheelchairs, and they are now struggling to use their arms.
The Join Our Boys Trust was established in 2014, and since then enough money has been raised to build the house, which is in Roscommon town.
However, the Trust said an additional €300,000 was required to ensure the house was fully kitted out with the equipment needed to ensure the boys' complex needs would be adequately met.
This includes a ceiling hoist, automated doors, specialised beds, a therapy area, specialist IT equipment, specialist toilets, landscaping, a road, and other items. The family also needs to fund the ongoing running costs of the property.
This year's festive appeal, launched on December 6, is one of the Join Our Boys Trust's biggest fundraising campaigns to date, and has attracted multiple personal and business donations from home and abroad.
There have been numerous raffles, a New York 12 days of Christmas pub-crawl, stickmen for schools, Christmas lights and other fundraising initiatives in the past couple of weeks.
The boys' mother, Paula, has conducted numerous radio and media interviews and appreciates the continued support of all.
The family feels there is finally some light at the end of the tunnel and that they will soon be in their own purpose-built house.
They are asking for your support this Christmas week whether that be via sharing their story, a small donation, buying a Christmas star or even a pre-recorded Christmas message from Santa himself for your little one.
People can help Archie, George, and Isaac and their Mum and Dad get into their home by Christmas by donating here.
The specially-built house is owned by the Join Our Boys Trust, not the Naughton family, and everyone who works with the Join Our Boys Trust is a volunteer.