A Letterkenny woman is on a mission to fundraise for a cure for diabetes – 40 years after being diagnosed with the disease.
Rosie Connolly, who is originally from Ramelton, is looking on the bright side of her 40th ‘Diaversary’ by fundraising for charity. The mum-of-two sees the anniversary of her diagnosis as something to highlight in a positive way.
Next weekend Rosie is hosting two exciting events to raise money for Diabetes Ireland. Her ultimate aim is to support research related to the causes, prevention and cure of diabetes.
The weekend kicks off with a virtual 5K. People are invited to walk/run anytime and anywhere in the world between Friday 10th – Sunday 12th September. Donations can be made to: https://gofund.me/f511ee2f
And on Saturday, Rosie’s friends will be in fine tune as they tour the local area on a busking bus tour! Bri Carr Music with a few surprise Wild Atlantic Women and special guest (Wild Atlantic Guest) Martin Orr will be touring to local pubs and performing (with permits) to generate support from punters.
The Busking Tour schedule includes: The Quay in Ramelton, Snugborough Letterkenny, The Brewery, Orchard Inn, Glencar Inn, The Lagoon in Termon, O’Donnell’s in Kilmacrennan, The Olde Glen Bar, The Singing Pub in Downings, Logues of Cranford and back to Ramelton!
Follow the Diaversary Event page for updates at: https://fb.me/e/1ajQraEGg
Rosie wanted to recognise her milestone by giving back to charity and help fund research to find a cure. Around 225,840 people in Ireland are living with diabetes.
Rosie said: “The treatment from when I was diagnosed until now has changed dramatically over the years due to research and makes living with Diabetes easier. But insulin is not a cure, it is only a medicine to keep us alive until a cure is found.
“I would love some day to be able to say “Did I ever tell you I was once a Diabetic”.
Rosie’s big weekend is already being well supported by friends and family at home and around the world. Celebrities Noel Cunningham and Daniel O’Donnell are singing her praises and she has friends in America and in Northern Ireland promoting the cause.
A good friend of Rosie’s, David O Brien is going the extra mile to help the Diaversary by running 200 miles in September! You can donate to his challenge at: https://paypal.me/pools/c/8CwXKtIDXi
David O Brien’s 200 mile challenge for Diabetes Ireland
“I am very grateful to have my family and friends for the support they have given me over the years. Thank you too to my work colleagues in the Department of Social Protection, they are more than good to me.”
Rosie has come a long way since being first diagnosed with diabetes at the age of eleven. Over the years she has offered advice to people and families who are coming to terms with a diagnosis.
“Don’t let diabetes hold you back,” Rosie advises others.
“It is scary at the start and it is hard to get used to, but life is livable as a diabetic and you have to take care of yourself
“It’s an ongoing process, and you learn how to take care of yourself.
“You learn if you are going driving or exercising, you test yourself. You know you have to have something sweet with you all the time in case your blood sugar drops to a hypo.
“And it is very important that you carry an ID.”
Everyone is welcome to join and support Rosie’s fundraising weekend, whether virtually or donating in person. Stay tuned to Rosie’s Facebook for a live feed of the Busking Tour!
To donate online, please visit her GoFundMe page at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/77rexp-40th-diaversary
Sponsorship cards are being circulated and donation boxes are also located in selected local stores in Letterkenny and Ramelton.
