Freebooters coach and former Junior A team player, Paul Smith, was unfortunately diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) earlier this year.
For 50% of sufferers, life expectancy from diagnosis is less than 3 years.
Just like Paul’s attitude to life, this fundraising community is about not giving up. But it’s more than that. It’s about strength in numbers. It’s about loved ones, friends, colleagues and acquaintances pulling together to help him and his family through the toughest challenge they’ll ever face. By joining forces, by uniting and standing together, we can organise hundreds of events and activities throughout Ireland and the UK to raise vital funds.
The three main objectives of the All Paul Together community are:
1. Providing financial support to cover Paul’s ongoing medical, transportation and accommodation costs
2. In partnership with the Atlantic Technological University and ART Health Solutions to fund and lead novel research related to lifestyle factors that impact MND sufferers
3. To develop an online platform that is easy to access for all MND sufferers and provides evidence-based resources and information to help support their day-to-day lives
Read more about our objectives here
When I first discovered that I had MND on 19th April 2021, tears were shed, anger expressed, and a feeling of total and utter despair set in.
However, despite such negative emotions and experiences, these past 12 months since diagnosis have also shown me the power of positivity, friendship, love and community as my friends, family and colleagues have all pulled together to help.
It really has reminded me of just how much kindness there still is in our amazing world.
So, once again, thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everybody that has shown my family and I so much love and support. We will continue to need this throughout our fight against this disease and will never be able to truly thank you enough for all your amazing efforts.
Whether it’s hopping 100 miles, organising a football tournament, or knitting the longest scarf in your village, no matter how big or small, the challenges we set and the money we raise will help Paul and his family through this difficult time.
(Get your All Paul Together pack here!)
Here’s a handy toolkit to make things a little easier towards hitting your fundraising goal. In it you’ll find templates for leaflets, T-shirts, pictures of Paul & family plus helpful bits like logos, colours and fonts. If you need anything else, get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.
Thanks for your continued support!
