Take the jump and fight for Lou

Those with a head for heights are being urged to take part in a special fundraiser to support a young woman battling Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and also generate cash for Cavan Monaghan Palliative Care.

The Finnegan family led by Tracey are behind the ‘Fighting for Lou’ campaign, which will involve abseiling 150 feet from the top of Hogan Stand in Croke Park while proudly wearing your club colours.

They are doing so to support Crosserlough woman Louise O’Reilly who was diagnosed with MND in 2021 at the age of just 39 years. The family also wish to give something back to Cavan/Monaghan Palliative Care, which continues to support Louise and her son Lucas.

“It changed all of our lives. Unfortunately, everything was turned upside down,” Tracey previously told the Celt. Asked how Louise is doing now, Tracey went on to say: “Her mind is still with us, and she’s still very much herself in her own body.”

However, the popular hairdresser remains full-time wheelchair bound and needs 24-hour care.

It was hoped Louise might be an eligible candidate for a trial in Australia with the aim of slowing down the process, however her limbs weren’t compatible. Despite the setback the family “remain hopeful that something else will come up”.

Tracey is urging people to get behind the fundraiser. “I feel people have already gotten behind us in the past, and continue to do so, and I hope they will participate in this.”

With a max capacity of 100, places are quickly being booked up.

Taking place on Saturday, April 13, it promises to be a thrilling event, while also raising funds for two important causes.

The organisers have set a modest target of €1,000 for this latest fundraising drive.

The family are so thankful to all those who supported a previous GoFundMe page for Louise, which smashed its €50,000 target. Tracey said that page is being wound up at the moment.

To donate to the latest fundraiser, click here.