Paul Smith

Hi, my name is John O'Hanlon, and I am fundraising for  Paul Smith, who was recently  diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. Paul is a member of my extended family. Although I am an amateur cyclist,I am currently undertaking an intensive training programme and plan to cycle from Malin Head in Donegal to Mizen Head in Cork, during the week starting August 14th through to August 20th, 2021 as part of my fundraising effort.

Paul Smith originated from the South West of England, and moved with his Irish born wife to Kilkenny in  2001. Paul achieved a doctorate in sports science with Waterford Institute of Technology. Paul works in the field of improving health and performance of employees. In early 2021, whilst Ireland wrestled with the pandemic, Paul (age 45)noticed he was losing feeling in his right hand. He booked a diagnosis in a Dublin hospital and learnt that he had contracted Motor Neurone Disease (MND).On April 19th, 2021 Paul's world and that of his young family, turned upside down.

Motor Neurone Disease is a neurodegenerative disease with no known cure. Time is not on Paul's side, for 50% of sufferers life expectancy from diagnosis is less than 3 years. The disease will impact on Paul's ability to use his limbs.Paul will require a course of expensive drug treatments to maintain his mobility for as long as is possible. MND creates a number of urgent new needs such as: the requirement for suitable accommodation to assist Paul's imminent mobility issues;the need for bespoke transport to allow Paul to travel within Kilkenny; and specialised home care.The funds that you send will help allay some of the enormous costs that Paul's family will now face.

The Irish Motor Neuron Association,(IMDA) has provided Paul and his family with fantastic assistance to date and 25% of all funds raised will be sent to the charity. Paul will continue to draw upon their support. You can also help by making a donation to IMNDA at IMND.ie.

Paul and his young family require urgent funds to start meeting the greatest challenge of his life, please donate what you can, please click
on the yellow bar below!