MIchele O’Donnell with family and friends.
THE Asthma Society of Ireland honoured its network of volunteers, including a Donegal woman, at an awards ceremony held in Dublin on Saturday, February 1.
Celebrating over 40 years providing support and services to people with asthma in Ireland, the Asthma Society paid tribute to the commitment of its more than 300 volunteers working across the country. Funds raised by these volunteers in 2013 supported the continuation of vital services including asthma clinics, health promotion and awareness campaigns, research and the Asthma Adviceline.
At the ceremony, Michelle O’Donnell from Letterkenny received the Best Sports Fundraising Award. Michele’s fiance Nathan Wilmot died as a result of an asthma attack on 27th October 2012, a week before they were to be married. As a result of this tradgedy, Michele has become extremely proactive in raising much needed donations and awareness for the Asthma Society of Ireland.
With the help of family and friends Michelle managed to raise €3,902 from recent fundraising events held in Letterkenny, which included a bucket collection and two football matches. The events were held in October 2013 to coincide with the first year anniversary of Nathan’s death.
Asthma Society of Ireland Fundraising Manager, Fergal Smyth said, “The level of commitment shown by our volunteers this year, raising money in these difficult times, was remarkable.”
“At the Asthma Society of Ireland we are committed to improving the quality of life and standard of care for patients and the money raised by our team of volunteers goes directly towards the provision of vital services for over 470,000 people in Ireland with asthma.”
“The Asthma Society of Ireland would like to thank Michele and everyone involved in helping to raise this money. These funds are the lifeblood of our organistaion and we appreciate every cent raised,” he concluded.
At the Volunteer of the Year Awards, the Asthma Society also launched its major fundraising event for 2014 – a walk across Croatia and the Dalmatian Islands taking place in October.
The walk will be an opportunity to take in the spectacular views of Croatia and the neighbouring islands while raising much needed funds. The Asthma Society of Ireland needs to raise €360,000 in 2014 to continue to fund vital services including our Asthma Adviceline on 1850 44 54 64 which provides up-to-date and accurate information, advice and support for anyone concerned about asthma. Join us on this adventure and help raise funds to support vital asthma services in 2014.
Further details of the walk are available from the Asthma Society. To join our team of walkers, contact Heidi today at the Asthma Society of Ireland on (01) 8178886, email overseaswalk@asthmasociety.ie.
For further information on the services provided by the Asthma Society and opportunities to get involved in fundraising efforts, please visit www.asthma.ie.
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