Van pull fundraiser organised in support of disabled Edenderry girl

An incredible fundraiser has been organised to raise money for a medically-equipped vehicle for a severely disabled child in Offaly.

Holly Cullen (7) from Edenderry was seven weeks old when she had her first seizure.

Investigations in Temple Street Children's Hospital led to her diagnosis of a brain malformation called pollymicrogirea (PMG), which is quite rare. PMG can affect people in different ways from mildly to profoundly.

Holly’s tests showed such severe seizure activity that her parents were told to bring her home and enjoy their time with her. The side effects from Holly’s medication result in severe drowsiness, and she also has liver disease.

The upcoming fundraiser will see a Ford Custom van, provided by Donal Murtagh Mobility in Moate, being pulled approximately 40km from Newbridge to Edenderry on Saturday, August 13.

Ten people at a time will pull the van, meeting at various locations.

“We contacted the garage that has the van that Holly needs and they are going to allow us to take it for the day,” said Holly’s aunt Trish Cullen.

Holly’s family are hoping to raise €50,000 to buy the much-needed modified vehicle to cater to Holly’s needs, and they have already raised €6,085.

Holly requires 24-hour care according to her aunt. “Her food has to be blended, and they have to do everything for her. Holly has seizures everyday. She is an unbelievably resilient, strong girl who fights this fight with a smile on her face and never gives up, a true princess warrior.”

Trish says that they need a van for Holly as she is due to get a new bigger wheelchair soon.

“Holly’s family try to keep home life as normal as possible, going on days out and to her brothers’ football matches, but lifting her in and out of the car is getting harder and harder the bigger she gets.

“As she gets bigger they are also restricted to the places they can go as it’s harder to find suitable places to change her, being able to change her in the back of a van would make life so much easier and accessible.

“A wheelchair-accessible van would have a massive positive impact on the whole family.”

A raffle will also be held on the day at Derry Rovers AFC sports complex in Edenderry. It costs €10 for a raffle ticket with a host of great prizes on offer. There will also be music and entertainment for children.

A Go Fund Me page has been set up as part of the fundraising effort, and donations can be made here.