Mary’s thanks for dance support
Mary Lynch has taken the opportunity to thank everyone who supported her most recent social dance in Nenagh, which raised €3,175 for the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association.
Despite fewer numbers in attendance, the Scouts Hall dance last November was a great success with all present enjoying another great night in support of a very good cause. It was the sixth annual dance organised by Mary, who has been awarded by the IMNDA in recognition of the tens of thousands of euros she has raised for the charity through a series of fundraising initiatives over the years.
Last month IMNDA Fundraising Executive Jackie Martin wrote to Mary, thanking her for the most recent initiative and asking her to pass on the association’s thanks to all who supported and contributed to it.
“With more than 470 people living with motor neurone disease in Ireland, we must strive to ensure that each person affected receives the best possible care and support,” Ms Martin wrote. “The funds you have raised will enable us to continue to provide services such as specialised equipment and continue to fund home care hours. Our seven MND Nurses are constantly on the road visiting families who need advice and practical information.”
STAYS LOCAL
Mary always makes the point that the funding she raises locally stays local, helping families take care of loved ones diagnosed with the disease.
More than 85% of the IMNDA’s funding comes from fundraising and donations. It enables the association’s nurses to provide practical advice and comfort to those impacted around the country. It also secures provision of specialised equipment such as wheelchairs, communication aids, stairlifts and panic alarm systems.
The IMNDA also facilitates much-needed breaks for carers, as well as counselling sessions for those diagnosed with the disease and their loved ones.
“We would like you to know that none of this would be possible without people like you,” Ms Martin said to Mary Lynch and all who supported her fundraising dance. “Your support means so much.”
MORE TO FOLLOW
Mary lost her mother to motor neurone disease in January 1993. She has since become a motivational advocate for the IMNDA, notably abseiling from the roof of Croke Park and the Smithfield Tower in Dublin in her bid to raise funds and awareness for the association.
She extended a heartfelt thanks to everyone involved in last November’s dance, including the Scouts Hall committee and everyone who baked food for the occasion.
Mary said she received great feedback from the event and is already planning a seventh social dance for October 31.
Before that, she will be holding a bucket collection for the IMNDA at the Bank of Ireland in Nenagh on Friday, March 13. A third fundraising event of 2026 is in the works for the end of the year.