The family of a severely disabled Stirling youngster are pulling on their hiking boots for a special fundraiser with the aim of securing life-changing adaptations to their family home.
Ben Lomond climb for Eireann
Four-year-old Eireann MacFarlane, from Whins of Milton, was diagnosed last year with a duplication of the FDXL 16 gene – a terminal genetic condition which affects only five other children on the planet. The family have been searching for answers for almost all of Eireann’s life, with the youngster non-verbal, blind and in need of 24-hour care and monitoring, including being fed through a tube.
Fundraising efforts so far have included the partner of Eireann’s oldest sister, Nicole, taking on a cycle trip from Newcastle to Stirling – and just over £11,000 has already been raised. But with estimates for the adaptations to the family home carrying a cost of around £60,000, they are continuing with the challenges as they look to hike Ben Lomond on July 29.
Family's plea for support
Alongside the Ben Lomond climb, Eireann’s family are looking to secure support in whichever way possible – whether that be through people providing raffle prizes, donations – or even just sharing the story of the need to keep Eireann at her family home. Her mum Margaret Wilson told the Observer last year: “There have been a lot of solutions we have tried, we have thought about a conservatory to the house but it would be too hot in summer and too cold in winter and Eireann can’t go upstairs with a stairlift because she can’t lift her head.
“One of the reasons we don’t want to leave the house is because of the support we get here, someone gifted me a cot which is where Eireann sleeps in the living room with Brian and I. We are just looking for anybody who can offer us any help or advice or support in any way – we’ve tried Citizens Advice and disability services, but they don’t know much about this.”
JustGiving page
On the family’s JustGiving page, Nicole writes: “It’s something no family ever prepares for – and yet here we are, doing everything we can to make her time as comfortable, safe, and full of love as possible. Every penny raised will go directly toward creating a safe, accessible space for Eireann – one where she can be cared for with dignity, love, and as much comfort as possible. We know times are tough for everyone, so please know: any donation, no matter the amount, makes a difference. Even if you’re not in a position to give, sharing this page means the world to us. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your love, support, and kindness.”
The JustGiving page can be accessed at gofundme.com/f/help-us-build-a-safe-and-comfortable-space-for-eireann.
