Culann has had his Operation
We reached our target,
exceeded it and in the last few weeks Culann traveled to Leeds for SDR surgery under the expert care of Dr John Goodden and his team. He has commenced the intensive physiotherapy which he will need to build the strength in his legs and he will be home in Cork shortly. The physiotherapy will continue for another 2 years but Culann is a real warrior and he is already working hard.
Read about our journey to this wonderful outcome:
We are over the moon
Culann is 4 yrs old and like most lively 4 yr olds he wants to walk over to choose his own book, walk alongside his sister and brothers, hold his favourite Ted when he's walking, throw the ball in the garden. Regular 4 year old stuff. But he can't. Not yet. Culann has spastic diplegia cerebral palsy. Thanks to you we have the funds that Culann needs. Helping Culann to increase his independence now will reduce the amount of support and intervention he needs later.
A couple of independent fundraising events, planned many months ago, have just completed. These include the hair raising raffle for the Navigator Seats of two of Ireland's top rally drivers, thanks to the generosity of Donal McGrath, Frank Kelly and Declan Gallagher. Winners of the seats were Shane O'Mahony and JJ Harrington. We hope that they enjoy the experience of the rally on 17th July 2016. Stephen Roe has been honing his and his teams cycling fitness for their Dublin to Cork ride in May 2016. The Garda Golf Classic is just one of the ways members of the force have come on board to support. Thank you all. None of us could have foreseen the tremendous success of the campaign and your willingness and openness to support Culann beyond his immediate needs is hugely heart warming.
Donal McGrath of McGrath Motorsports with Culann.
Culann Wants to Walk is a not for profit fundraising Trust set up with the kind help of Alan McGee, Solicitor, Midleton, Co.Cork. Trustees are Adrian Cotter and Anita Bane. The fund can and will only be used to cover the immediate, midterm and longer term costs associated with his medical treatment.
The campaign is coordinated by a committee of volunteers, including Yvonne and Garry Cashman, Culann's parents.
Photo: Denis Scannell
We have been turning down offers of new fundraisers for a number of weeks. We are really conscious that there is a body of goodwill built up for Culann and children like him - if you have an interest in fundraising for children and their families beyond Culann, could we suggest you take a look at Cliona's Foundation - an organisation that supports families to manage the unforeseen costs of medical treatment that their child requires such as travel and accommodation. Thank you.
Finally Culann's parents Yvonne and Garry would like to say a sincere thank you to all of the many hundreds if not thousands who have reached out to their family with donations, events, good wishes and prayers. You are all part of Culann's incredible journey and they will always remember your kindness.
