Hi everyone,

Ryan and I are running in the Sydney Marathon on the 30th of August. We are running it in aid of a very special cause to us.

A close family friend Eimear McAndrew, has been diagnosed with a rare neurological disorder, for which there is no known cure. It has significantly impacted her life, and we are urgently raising funds to fund research that will change her life.

I have known Eimear and her family for years and have great memories with her throughout our childhood together. She is a kind, strong and brave person, and we would love to give back and help her in any way we can… Even if that means running a marathon!

We can’t think of any better cause to support and we are very grateful for any and all donations.

-Lonnóg and Ryan

Please find a greater insight into Eimear’s story below.

“What started as slight changes in vision and subtle shifts in balance for Eimear at 24 soon became a journey through one of the most devastating genetic conditions known to medicine, causing loss of sight, loss of voice, loss of mobility and loss of life.

Eimear has been diagnosed with early onset Spinocerebellar Ataxia 7 (SCA7). This is a rare progressive degenerative neurological disease; there is no known cure. She has lost a lot of her eyesight and her movement is deteriorating. Eimear currently works for the Bank of England in London as an Apprentice Actuary. Despite her serious challenges Eimear is persevering with her studies and is determined to complete her exams. Anyone who knows Eimear knows she is a warrior and she is fighting hard.

Eimear’s story is one of unwavering resilience. Growing up in Ireland, her life was defined by a love of sport at which she excelled, representing her County in Camogie and Football, winning All Ireland medals in Football and one in Soccer. She worked very hard achieving high grades on the violin and flute.

Her life, her dreams, her plans for a future all destroyed by the diagnosis.

If you think you can support this campaign in any way please do. All monies collected will be going towards SCA7 research and treatment development. This work has been started in Leiden University, Holland in collaboration with Cure Rare Diseases, but urgently needs funding.”