The team at Rathfarnham énergie Fitness club in Nutgrove Retail Park, Dublin backed Ella’s Wish to Walk all the way and raised €2,000 ($2,215) by hosting a fun family fundraiser on Monday, June 6th 2016. A ticketed Swimming Gala & Pool Party was attended by over 200 locals organised by club manager Eoin Kaar and Ella’s mum Nicola. Three-year-old Ella Doyle was born with cerebral palsy. Ella walks with a walking frame but as time progresses she will need a wheelchair. She now has a life changing opportunity to have pioneering surgery known as selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR) in the USA, which will help her to walk independently. Her family need to raise €150,000, which will fund the surgery and an intensive 2-year physiotherapy program. They have so far raised €30,000.

How did it start?

Ella’s mum, Nicola, approached the club and as they are a local family, the club was delighted to help.

Objectives

1. Raise awareness of the fundraising campaign.
2. Highlight energie fitness club’s wish to contribute to their local community.

Why is this project important?

It is important as all funds raised will bring Ella and her family another step closer to the operation that will help her to walk.

Project resources

All staff worked for free on the day of the event.

Project results

€2,000 was raised ($2,215) to support Ella.