65 Roses Day fundraiser in Westmeath this Friday

People across Westmeath are being called on to support a national fundraising effort this Friday, April 10, when volunteers will be at shops and centres in Mullingar and Athlone as part of the Cystic Fibrosis Ireland annual 65 Roses Day.

The campaign aims to raise €300,000 nationwide, and purple rose sales are planned at a number of local outlets including Dunnes Stores in Harbour Place, Mullingar, Irishtown and Montree in Athlone, Buckley’s SuperValu on Austin Friars Street, Mullingar, and Golden Island Shopping Centre.

Cystic Fibrosis Ireland (CFI) urge public to help fund services for people living with cystic fibrosis (CF), a genetic condition that affects breathing, digestion and other bodily systems.

Ireland has the highest rate of CF per capita in the world. More than 1,400 people are living with the condition and dozens of new cases are diagnosed each year. While advances in treatment mean many people are now living longer and healthier lives, the condition remains incurable and often becomes more complex with age.

CFI provide a range of supports, including a dedicated information line, financial assistance grants and peer-support groups, and invest in research and improved clinical care.

Sandra Brewer said progress in treatment has transformed lives, but challenges remain. “When I was younger, I lost my brother and my sister to CF. When I look back now to how things were then, the change is incredible. People with CF are living healthier lives and are ageing, but with that comes other challenges,” she said.

“Despite advances, the work is not yet done. On 65 Roses Day, I’m asking for the public’s continued support. Every donation goes towards supporting people with CF in Ireland, so please buy a rose or donate online.”

As part of this year’s campaign, an exhibition titled Rewriting Tomorrow will open in Dublin, featuring letters and artwork created by people living with CF, reflecting on hopes for futures that were once uncertain. The exhibition runs at The Copper House on April 7-12.

65 Roses Day, named after the way young children often pronounce cystic fibrosis, is one of CFI’s main fundraising events. People in Westmeath can support the campaign by purchasing a purple rose at participating outlets or donating online at 65roses.ie.