Well-known Letterkenny delivery driver and footballer Vinny McLaughlin has embarked on a series of fundraisers in support of a charity close to his heart.
This May, Vinny is putting his own stamp on a golfing challenge by taking on ’65 holes for 65 roses’ at Letterkenny Golf Club. The marathon session will be done in one day on 6th May. He is also running a Last Man Standing competition and a charity football match on 5th May.
The Lagan Harps Senior Manager’s efforts are in support of Cystic Fibrosis Ireland, a charity that has given immense support to his cousin and best friend, Marc McCarron.
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Marc, now aged 33, was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at birth. He had a normal childhood until the disease started to have an impact on him in his late teens. He began to suffer from chest infections, many hospitalisations, and he eventually had to give up playing football at 18 years old. Cystic fibrosis is a multi-organ disease that primarily affects the lungs and digestive system, and, despite being in and out of hospital and having to hold back on activities he loves, Marc always stays positive.
“To see some of the things that Marc has been through in life is heartbreaking,” Vinny said.
Relief came for Marc last year in the form of an exciting new drug therapy. The approval of Kaftrio in Ireland last year gave him a new lease of life. He has seen a massive improvement in his health and has been able to get back to walking, football and golf.
To give back and to give thanks, Vinny came up with the idea to fundraise for Cystic Fibrosis Ireland, to help others with the disease and to support further research.
Marc said the charity has always been a support to him: “They have been fantastic over the years. We get exercise grants, throughout Covid they would send out PPE gear like masks, gloves, hand sanitiser, and anytime I’m in hospital they are there to help.”
Marc now keeps busy by working at the CYMS Snooker Club, Home Store + More and being an underage coach for Letterkenny Rovers. “I wouldn’t have been able to do all this six months ago,” he said.
Vinny is full of admiration for his pal. He said: “For Marc being through so much, he’s amazing, he doesn’t let any of it phase him.”
Cousins Vinny and Marc
The countdown is on for Vinny’s summer fundraisers, and there are lots of ways to support:
You can enter the Last Man Standing contest by getting in touch with Vinny at vinnymovement@gmail.com. You can support his 65 Holes for 65 Roses by donating HERE or, if you are part of a business, you can sponsor a tee.
Contact Vinny on Facebook here: Vinny Mc Laughlin
But why 65 holes? And 65 Roses? The 65 Roses name is the common term often used by young children with cystic fibrosis who can’t yet pronounce the name of their disease. 65 Roses Day is the National Fundraising Day for Cystic Fibrosis Ireland, and takes place on Friday 9th April 2022!
To learn more about Cystic Fibrosis and the work of Cystic Fibrosis Ireland, visit: www.cfireland.ie
