A local community has rallied around a man following his diagnosis with Motor Neurone Disease last year.
Larry Halpin from north county Dublin, was diagnosed with the condition after noticing subtle changes in his fine motor skills. The grandfather owned his own garage in Balrothery and first noticed something was amiss when he struggled with screwing bolts into cars.
He was diagnosed last year after spending a week in Beaumont Hospital last summer. His daughter Kennedy explained that the news has devastated the family, which led Larry's friends to organise an important fundraiser connected to the sport he loves.
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Kennedy told Dublin Live: "His condition's gotten a lot worse in the past couple of weeks. His balance isn't great- he had a fall a couple of weeks ago when he stood up and fell back against the fireplace, which was very scary."
There are around 400 people living with Motor Neurone Disease in Ireland, a progressive illness which causes muscle wasting. All proceeds raised at Larry's fundraiser will go towards the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association, the only organisation in Ireland that directly assists affected patients and their caregivers.
Kennedy said that her family are very appreciative of the public support for the event, which will take place next month. She said that the golf club wanted the event to take place in May due to the brighter evenings but the family asked for it take place earlier, as they believe Larry won't be able to walk independently for much longer.
Although Larry has many physical symptoms of the condition, she explained that her family are struggling most with the cognitive changes brought on by the disease. Kennedy said that her father's behaviour and mannerisms have changed significantly as a result of the illness, which has been upsetting for her to witness.
She said: "My dad was always quiet and a real gentleman, but he's a lot different now than before he got the disease. He says things with no filter and doesn't understand that they're rude. It's shocking to see how much the brain changes and not just the body."
Treatment for Motor Neurone Disease remains limited. Riluzole is the only licensed medication for patients with the condition, usually prescribed during the early stages of the disease.
The medication works by blocking the release of glutamate, which causes damage to the nerve cells. The drug is not a cure for the condition but it can help prolong life expectancy by several months.
Larry's fundraiser is taking place on Good Friday, April 7 in Rush Golf Club. Larry's loving family, including Kennedy and her brother Dylan as well as grandson James, will be in attendance. There is already a waiting list for the day due to high interest in the event.
There will be 4 playing slots throughout the day, as well as food and entertainment in the evening. People can donate to the appeal via GoFundMe online.
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