Mary’s fundraising dance returns
Mary Lynch is running her popular social dance again this month to raise funds for the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association at a time when they are needed more than ever.
The fifth staging of Mary's dance at the Scouts Hall will take place on Saturday, November 30, with music by Kerry's Catriona O'Sullivan. There will be a €10 admission charge but patrons are welcome to donate more if they can.
All proceeds go to the IMNDA, and Mary is keen to point out that everything raised locally is spent locally. The money raised at her dance will go directly to local families in need of support from the association through its six nurses, who are constantly on the road visiting those living with the incurable disease and in need of advice and practical support.
Mary was earlier this year presented with an award by the IMNDA, which credited her with going “above and beyond” in support of the charity. The award recognised that she has raised tens of thousands of euros for the IMNDA between her annual social dance in Nenagh and, when it was curtailed during the pandemic, for bravely taking on three fundraising abseils - two from the top of the Hogan Stand in Croke Park, the third from the Skyview Tower in Smithfield, Dubin.
‘IMMENSE PRESSURE’
Originally from Cork, Mary's mother died from motor neurone disease - almost 40 years ago now - at a time when much less was understood about the condition. Established in 1985, the IMNDA provides essential support services to people living with motor neurone disease, their families and caregivers, including home visits from specialist nurses, the provision of specialised equipment, as well as emotional and financial support.
But last month the IMNDA reported unprecedented demand for its services as more than 600 families living with the disease were supported by it in 2023. Despite a decline in income compared with the previous year, its nurses conducted more than a thousand home visits. Almost €900,000 was spent on the provision and distribution of specialised equipment to help those with the disease maintain quality of life.
“With the number of people diagnosed with MND continuing to rise, the demand for our services has never been greater,” said Kevin Burn, CEO of the IMNDA. “Despite raising over €2.7 million in 2023, there is immense pressure on our ability to meet this rising demand.”
He reported that 85% of IMNDA income comes from fundraising events such as those organised by Mary Lynch in Nenagh. “It is likely that the cost-of-living crisis has had a knock-on effect on donations in 2023.
“That said, we would not be where we are without the support of our wonderful community of fundraisers; we can’t thank them enough. These donations allow us to improve our service offering year on year, including launching new initiatives such as our Caring for Caregivers programme, which offers online workshops to family caregivers who are looking after someone with MND.”
Mary welcomes all to the social dance on Saturday week and, even if you don't dance, you are still welcome to come along and make a donation and stay for a chat. Refreshments will be served, and everyone who pays admission will be entered into a draw with some great prizes to be won. These have been donated by local businesses, to whom Mary expressed great gratitude for their support.
The dance will take place between 9pm and midnight. Anyone who cannot attend but would like to leave a donation can contact Mary by WhatsApp on 086 3435371.