Ollie’s 200km Walk for Muscular Dystrophy Ireland

Paddy Hickey, member of Muscular Dystrophy Ireland(MDI),isembarking on a 200km walk this August to raise awareness of Bethlem myopathy, a rare neuromuscular condition and raise funds for MDI.

The fundraiser will span eight days, starting on the 13th of August and finishing on the 18th of August. Over the eight days Paddy willwalk200km,fromCastlebar to his hometown of Enfield.

The route will take him through Claremorris (Sunday 13th), Castlerea (Monday 14th), Roscommon (Tuesday 15th), Ballymahon (Wednesday 16th) and Mullingar (Thursday 17th) and he will be joined by friends, family and MDI supportersalongtheway.

The motivation behind Paddy's mission is a personal one, as his son Ollie was diagnosed with Bethlem myopathy when he was just three years old. Witnessing the challenges and obstacles that his son faces every day, Paddy wantstomakeadifference to the lives of all those impactedbythiscondition.

Paddy says “Right now, there’snocureforBethlem myopathy. And you know you have moments where you think, ‘What's life going to be like?’ and stuff like that. I’d like to think that the more awareness that's raised about every condition the more advances can be made. So, we want to put a big push behind it. And obviously, the selfish thing would be to say it’s because of Ollie. But it isn’t. The funds we raise won’t be for Ollie himself. It will be to raise awarenessofthecondition as a whole and raise funds to help MDI continue to build on providing muchneeded services to those whoneeditmost.”

Paddy’s employer, eBay, is also eager to support him on his fundraiser, going above and beyond to makeasignificantimpact.

The eBay Changemakers have organised an event for the month of August in support of Paddy’s fundraiser that allows all Irish employees to support Paddy by walking an hour a day and by joining him on his walk. The events team will also host an event at their Blanchardstown location where colleagues can participate by dedicating time to walk on a treadmill and meet representatives of MDI. The best part is that for each hour contributed by the employees, eBay will generously donate €19 to the cause.

Their support doesn't stop there. eBay is also demonstrating their kindness by matching every euro that Paddy raises for Muscular Dystrophy Ireland.

This incredible initiative by eBay will undoubtedly amplify the impact of Paddy's efforts and significantly contribute to raising awareness of Bethlem myopathy.

You can support Paddy’s Fundraiser and Muscular Dystrophy Ireland by donating to www.idonate. ie/fundraiser/ollieswalkformdi

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