Sinead O’Carroll steps out for Cystic Fibrosis
Having exited RTE’s dancing with the Stars, Sinead O’Carroll was determined to put her celebrity profile to good use and help others who may not have the chances she has had in life.
“DWTS was a full on experience. You are basically living inside a bubble, with very little appreciation of what’s happening out in the real world” she tells us. “You are consumed with the packed agenda, the press, the live show – it becomes your life”
Sinead tells us that when she left the show, she was determined to give something back, so when she was approached by Cystic Fibrosis Ireland for the Annual One in One Thousand campaign, she was delighted to get involved.
Sinead joined forces with Zoe Woodward, and her two girls Emily (14) and Lana (12) who both have Cystic Fibrosis, as they launched this year’s campaign to encourage 1,000 women to take part in the Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon on May 31st for the charity.
“My connection to CF goes way back to many years ago, when I had a close friend with the disease who told me that she would listen to B*Witched to cheer her up when times were tough and her health wasn’t great. I also taught Lana at my dance school in Greystones.
News 25/2/20 Sinead O’Carroll pictured at the Iveagh Gardens, for the launch of Cystic Fibrosis Ireland’s One in 1,000 campaign. Pic Orla Murray SON
I’m delighted to be involved with this, because I’m constantly reminding people that exercise is vital for our mental health and well-being. But, for those with Cystic Fibrosis it is crucial in maintaining maximum physical health. By taking part in the One in 1,000 campaign for Cystic Fibrosis Ireland, women will be showing solidarity with people with Cystic Fibrosis and supporting them in having the best possible quality of life.”
Almost all funding for Cystic Fibrosis Ireland’s services comes from public donations. The One in 1,000 campaign has a fundraising target of €100,000 for vital services to help improve quality of life for people with cystic fibrosis in Ireland. This year, Cystic Fibrosis Ireland is celebrating 10 years of the One in 1,000 campaign.
Zoe Woodward is a parent of two girls with cystic fibrosis and is one of the original founders of the One in 1,000 campaign.
Lana Woodward (Age 12), Zoe Woodward (her Mum), and her sister Emily Woodward (Age 14), from Delgany, Wicklow. Pic Orla Murray SON Photo
“CF was a devastating diagnosis for us, there was no history of it in either family and we were totally unprepared as we knew little about the disease. As many other families with CF will understand our lives were literally turned up-side-down. As first time parents we had tried to prepare ourselves as best as possible to care for a new born baby, we had never given any thought to the possibility that our tiny baby would come with a life threatening disease. Lana was born two years later and was diagnosed immediately.”
“Since the start of One in 1000, over €1 million has been raised to upgrade facilities across the country, however more dedicated outpatient and inpatient CF facilities for both adults and children with CF still need to be developed.
We really need women to rally behind this campaign to achieve this and I’m hoping that lots of people will get out and support this year’s One in 1000 on its 10th anniversary.”
The campaign comes against a backdrop of Ireland having the highest prevalence of cystic fibrosis in the world – with more than 1,400 people living with the condition in Ireland – and some of the most severe types.
