An amazing young man from Laois will be giving up his time on Christmas Eve to do a 3km walk in the name of a very worthy cause.
Reilly Kinahan, 12, from Portlaoise, will be joined by his stability assistance dog Miller on the festive walk through the town.
Reilly has Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy which affects both arms and legs and often the torso and face as well.
In the majority of cases, children with Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy cannot walk and have other developmental disabilities.
Reilly attends sixth class ‘Aoibhneas’ in Scoil Bríd, Portlaoise.
Assistance dog Miller was gifted to Reilly three years ago by Irish Dogs for the Disabled, which help to transform the lives of children and adults living with physical disabilities.
The charity provide highly trained assistance dogs for wheelchair users, children with Cerebral Palsy and Ataxia-type conditions, and have also begun a Parkinson’s Dog programme.
These dogs offer practical assistance that increases independence and provides a social connection to those who need it most.
Reilly’s proud mother, Yvonne Curtin, says Miller was “the missing piece of the puzzle” for her son.
“Reilly wants to raise awareness and vital funds to help the charity help more adults and kids with mobility issues,” Yvonne said.
“The charity is in the process of renovating a property in Cork which will allow them offer therapies and train many more dogs.”
Those who wish to donate can do so at the iDonate link here.
Almost €2,000 has already been raised with over a month left before the walk.
