Last chance to get tickets for Network Ireland Kildare Branch annual luncheon
By Kim O'Leary
Network Ireland Kildare Branch has announced Arthritis Ireland as Charity of the Year 2016 for their annual luncheon on Friday, as money is raised for the Arthritis Ireland Children and Youth Programme.
Arthritis is a condition that affects more than 1,200 children in Ireland, making it about as common as childhood diabetes.
Arthritis Ireland Kildare Branch was established in 1986 and is one of the 21 local branches of Arthritis Ireland operating on a voluntary basis around the country. The committee is made up of people with arthritis who live in the local environs and volunteer tirelessly organising information events, exercise programmes and education events
The charity aims to help children and teenagers diagnosed with the condition as well as their families to lead normal lives through providing a variety of services and support.
For Lorna Norton and her family who are from Caragh in Naas, the support of Arthritis Ireland has improved life for their seven year old son Mark who was diagnosed with arthritis when he was four years old. “When Mark was a baby, he could not raise his head, he missed all of his milestones, and we were told that he might never walk. Some days Mark cannot get out of bed because he is in too much pain, he cannot carry a schoolbag on his back because it makes his knees buckle beneath him,” said Lorna.
“The services Arthritis Ireland provides are invaluable to us. The family support, workshops, educational programmes allow Mark, and our family, to live as normal a life as possible,” added Lorna.
She described the day she picked up the phone to call Arthritis Ireland as a "turning point” for her family.
Meanwhile, John Church, CEO Arthritis Ireland, said: "Arthritis is often seen as an “old person’s disease” with “a few aches and pains”. However, it is a serious chronic disease impacting on children and young people in Ireland, childhood arthritis needs to be given the respect and resources it deserves."
"We are delighted that Network Ireland Kildare Branch chose us as their charity partner, their support will allow us to continue our children and youth services both in Kildare and nationally," he added.
Stella Johnson, Network Ireland Kildare President, said that it was difficult for them to choose a charity worthy of the title Charity of the Year 2016, but that Arthritis Ireland "stood out" to them the most.
“Arthritis Ireland is providing fantastic support for these children and families, and we want to help them continue and grow their services. Their positive, no limits attitude to managing the disease is exactly the ethos we try to instil in our own members. These children and families are an inspiration to us and I know the people of Kildare will rally to make this year’s charity luncheon the best one ever," explained Stella Johnson.
Network Ireland Kildare Branch’s Charity Luncheon is always a lively occasion filled with entertainment and opportunity, with their annual charity raffle.
Members can avail of a special price of €65, guests/non-members are also welcome with a ticket price of €75.
Places are limited, so book now to avoid disappointment on http://www.networkireland.ie/events/eventsurl/annual-charity-lunch/.