By Cianna McNally
A number of fundraisers have been organised in support of a child from Clones who was born without a left shoulder and arm.
Rhys Reihill Duffy, who will turn five in September, is son of Michelle Duffy and Niall Reihill and lives in O’Neill Park, Clones. He is one of only three children in Ireland to suffer from a rare brain disorder called Schizencephaly, a mild form of cerebral palsy.
After being told by Irish doctors that there was nothing that could be done for him in terms of a prosthetic limb, Rhys’ parents contacted other hospitals around the world with little success before eventually finding Touch Bionics in Scotland. Touch Bionics specialises in developing prostheses for people with upper limb deficiencies and therapists in the clinic confirmed that they could help Rhys who is set to be fitted with the prosthetic in July.
However, the prosthetic will cost in the region of €20,000 and in order to help with this cost The Rhys Reihill Duffy Helping Hand Foundation was set up.
Michelle confirmed to The Northern Standard that the target was well on the way to being reached but there are a number of local fundraisers coming up in support of the Foundation.
FUNDRAISERS
A 50km and 100km cycle will take place on Sunday, 31st May. It will start from The Peace Link with registration from 9am. The registration fee is €15 and the event will be fully marshalled and insured. Refreshments will be served on the route and afterwards in The Peace Link. Anybody with any enquires can contact 087 3894425 or 087 3870829.
On Friday, 12th June and Saturday, 13th June bag packing will take place in SuperValu, Clones. On Saturday, 20th June Michelle will travel to Glasgow for a fundraising event that her Scottish relations have organised.
A fundraising night will also be held in Packie Willies, Clones on Friday 26th June. Tickets are currently being sold by Clones Town F.C for a chance to win a holiday to Spain with all proceeds going to the fund in aid of Rhys. The winner of this draw will be announced at the fundraising night in Packie Willies.
“DETERMINED AND LIVELY”
Rhys is currently attending Clones Community Childcare and will start in Gaelscoil Eois in September. He is…
