Help Helen well with support for

MOTOR NEURONE DISEASE.

I am a 73 year old retired nurse, a mother and a grandmother . Up until eight months ago I lived an independent life driving to scenic spots , walking in nature and bringing my beloved dog for swims and visiting my grandchildren.

Gradually, my mobility deteriorated as I began to find it harder to walk until I couldn’t walk at all.

Things changing dramatically on June 2025 when I was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease.

It has been a roller coaster of emotions , shock and stress since unfortunately.

Motor Neuron Disease means the nerves that allow me to walk stop working to that I am no longer able to walk by myself. Unfortunately it is a progressive condition so I have to live with the uncertainty of this. There is no cure and only supportive treatment and it always gets worse rather than better.

I have to organise carers for seven days. I now live and sleep downstairs and am totally dependent on my wheelchair and equipment. This has been an unbelievably difficult situation as I live alone and my children do visit but can only support so much.

Furthermore, my house is totally inaccessible for a wheelchair so I cannot get out causing me to feel trapped in house.

There are four deep steps up to front door and steps outside the back.

I bought two temporary ramps so

my children can wheel me out the odd time and we had to spend €2500 for a temporary ramps out the back.

The financial strain has been tremendous using all my savings for medical appointments, transport, carers and for an accessible ramp at back door so I can at least wheel out back to enjoy garden.

I am looking for funding to pay for the on-going carers that will commit to wheel me to the park and out to an accessible taxi so I can attend Community Supports . This will ease the feeling of isolation and get me reconnected. I get some care from the government but this only helps with basic care.

I am also looking for support with accessibility in the house as it takes a very long time to get any grants approved in Ireland.

I am very grateful for any donation made and I thank you for talking the time to read this.

Helen

Cost breakdown:

€2500 modular ramp at back

€1000 temporary ramps at front and back

€7k plus to arrnage ramp at front

€120 a week min for private carer

€200 monthly for private transport

€1500 for respite break if possible with carer