This was our ninth Christmas Bag Pack. We thoroughly enjoyed the Christmas atmosphere whilst helping staff and customers. Sincere thanks to Management and Staff at Super Value and the generosity of customers. We raised a total of €8,178.

This was our tenth annual Table Quiz. We had a most enjoyable night together, forgetting about financial worries for a while. We raised €610. Thanks to all our loyal supporters who turned up on such a freezing cold night.

On Monday 25th October Noel Murphy & Kieran McGrath took part in the Dublin City Marathon on behalf of the Marfans Research Foundation. The 26 mile race went through parts of the city and surrounding areas. The lads had been training for 3 months prior to the event to prepare themselves as they had never done one before. They completed the marathon and were delighted to get across the line. There was many aches and pains for a day or so but they were both glad they had done it.

Helen Lee, Lorraine O’Halloran and Trish Murphy completed the marathon on behalf of our Charity. These fantastic ladies raised a total of €242.

The Drive was an enormous success. The weather was kind to us, too. The Pony and Trap Drive from the Grounds of Kilkenny Castle was a sight to behold. Billy and Mary lead the Drive in a traditional Governess Carriage.

The day finished with a beautiful meal at The Thatch, Grannagh, Kilmacow. Delighted to say this year’s drive raised €5,748, which includes Mary Corcoran’s sponsorship of €2,045, bringing the total raised up to and including 2010 to €38,307.

Brenda Power, Ursula Corcoran and Pamela Martin joined the team for the great day. We had a brilliant day and believe it or not, the rain was welcome. Together we raised a total of €1,314. Sincere thanks to all our generous sponsors.

“Ciaran lived for others and for every moment, with him it really was a wonderful world. He followed research progress in Marfan Syndrome with intense interest and was relieved and grateful to be under the care given by Prof. Mark Redmond and his team. The studies in treatment of Marfans since his younger brother, Damian died in 1992, gave Ciaran great encouragement in the present and hope for the future. His wish to contribute to The Marfans Research Foundation is a testament to who this fine, thoughtful, 38 year old young man was.
Rest in Peace, my precious son.”
Denise McDonnell

The Marfans Research Foundation gratefully acknowledge Ciaran’s generous donation of €15,000.

Jennifer Kearns, Edmond Purcell and Michael Tobin organised a beard shave and wax at The Thatch Pub, Grannagh, Kilmacow. The craic was mighty not to mention the brave males who volunteered for waxing and shaving. These are all young generous people who made this a most enjoyable and successful fundraiser and raised a total of €616. Well done and a big thanks to all.