With the countdown very much on to the Zumba life-saving fundraiser in Mountmellick, the organiser behind it says she has been overwhelmed by the response.
Mountmellick Zumba Event teacher Louise Donohue-Aherne decided to host the event to raise funds for 12-year-old Robyn Smyth, who is battling cancer for the fourth time.
She first developed the rapidly growing childhood cancer, neuroblastoma when she was aged two. A biopsy last week revealed the cancer has now spread to her spine, legs and eye. Her last hope is further expensive medical treatment in Michigan, where she is now in hospital. Her mother Bernadette has asked for help from the public to pay for the treatment.
The Dance & Zumba fundraiser will see 120 pupils takes part from Louise’s dance class. Her zumba class will also be pitching as will Mountmellick Baton Twirlers who will be performing their usual warm-up routine. The class is open to all with no charge, but donations are most welcome
The dance takes place this Saturday February 4, from 5pm to 6pm at Mountmellick Sports Complex.
“Talk about an overwhelming response,” Louise said. She believes every business in the town have donated raffle prizes and the Hare’s Corner restaurant have not only donated a voucher prize, but staff have already donated €300 from their tips.
“I just can’t believe the goodness and generosity of people. This has really snowballed through Facebook, word of mouth and a few posters. We are selling a huge amount of raffle tickets,” she said.
She said anyone who has heard or read about Robyns Life can’t help but be moved by it. While Louise has organised other charity events in the past, she hasn’t done anything on this scale before. She said she is particularly heartened by the response with one elderly lady saying she is determined to take part, even if she can only last five minutes, while local schoolchildren have been pledging their pocket money.
Supervalu will be providing lollipops for the kids on the day, as well as contributing a spot prize.
“We have some really good raffle prizes including hotel breaks. Mountmellick is definitely the place to be on Saturday,” Louise said.
