The usual reliable team of bag packers were on standby for our annual busy Christmas bag pack. Unbelievably, the amount raised was €8,621.

Guest speakers: Prof J Mark Redmond, Mr Gheta Radu and Dr Darran McLaughlin.

This presentation was very well presented and informative which was very well attended. Kieran McGrath introduced the speakers. He welcomed all present. He thanked the loyal bag packers and the generosity of all who donate so willingly.

The doctors gave an update on the promising and successful research progress. Research has progressed from mice to humans. The results are encouraging and offer great hope to all marfan sufferers. The doctors stressed to all present that all working on this research do so voluntarily. There was a lively question and answer session.

Prof Redmond was presented with a cheque for €30,000 which he gratefully accepted. He was deeply appreciative of the generosity of all who contributed and the dedication of the fundraisers. The evening finished with a welcome cuppa and chat.

The Drive was an enormous success. We were blessed with wonderful weather, suitable for ponies and spectators. The Pony and Trap Drive raised a total of €2,771. A big thanks to Billy and his team.

This was Michael and Geraldine’s tenth time participating on behalf of Marfan Research. They raised €784 this year, bringing the amount raised to date as €11,269. A huge thanks to all our generous sponsors.

The one and only Sr Philomena Purcell participated again this year accompanied by her niece Julia Purcell. Between them, this year they raised a whopping €1,860. This was Philomena’s ninth year, raising €12,336 to date. All at Marfan Research are really thankful to Philomena and Julia and the unrelenting generosity of their sponsors.