Super Santa Sunday event to raise money for Nicola

7 December 2016

THE latest in a series of initiatives to raise £50,000 to send a disabled Downpatrick mum to Mexico for experimental treatment, which could help her walk again, takes place in the town this Sunday.

Downpatrick Cricket Club is hosting a Super Santa Sunday between 1pm and 4pm to raise money to help Nicola Feenan who was diagnosed with MS nine years ago and is now wheelchair bound with agonising back pain.

The 35 year-old mother of two has signed up for a gruelling pioneering regime to treat her multiple sclerosis because of her love for her children and with the disease now in a progressive phase, she struggles to walk and suffers agonising back pain.

Nicola is hopeful for the first time in 10 years after learning about the treatment that may halt the disease and even reverse her condition. Having read news reports about the life-changing impact of HSCT (Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation) on fellow MS sufferers, she has added her name to a 12-month waiting list for the gruelling regime of chemotherapy and stem cell treatment.

A number of fundraisers have already been held to support Nicola with Downpatrick man, Emmanuel McMenamin, hoping to swell the coffers further next weekend when Santa will be making a special appearance.

“The emphasis this Sunday is on family fun and we hope the event will be well supported. The Magnus Vikings are taking part and there will bouncy castles for the children, a tombola stand and lots more,” said Emmanuel.

“A lot of people and businesses have donated their time and talent, including John Magee and SP Bouncy Castles. Anyone who would like to donate items for the tombola can leave them at the Cricket Club.”

Donations can also be made via: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/helpnicolabeatms

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