Friends of a Longford firefighter suffering from cancer have raised more than €100,000 in just three weeks to support him.
The father of one Fintan McDonald’s life was turned upside down in late January when a lump in his right hip was diagnosed with stage four sarcoma, reports The Mirror.
Sarcomas are usually rare types of cancer that develop in bone and soft tissue, and in many cases are difficult to treat and aggressive in nature.
Finton is told after completing his fourth radiation therapy session that he will need long-term treatment to keep his cancer under control and prolong his life as long as possible.
A GoFundMe appeal was set up late last month to seek financial relief for Fintan, his wife Adele and the couple’s two-year-old son, Fintan.
A heartbreaking post on an online fundraising platform by friends of the McDonald family detailed the huge emotional and financial toll Finton’s devastating diagnosis was taking.
“This is sure to be a long, arduous road for the McDonald family and they are in need of our friendship and support now more than ever,” read the post, reports The Mirror.
To date, more than €100,000 has been raised in support of the 44-year-old, more than double what the campaign was originally intended to raise.
To further enhance this effort, two major events are planned for this Sunday, including a tractor run at the Rustic Inn in Abesrule from 1pm to 6pm.
At the same time, a charity football match aptly named ‘The Battle for Battler’ is taking place at the home of Carrickboye Celtic and Ballymahon AFC.
Meanwhile, a mega raffle has also been set up to support the McDonald’s Family Support Fund, with prizes including a family vacation to Center Parks and two weekend tickets to the Forever Young Festival in July, reports The Mirror.
“We are hoping to raise money to support Edel and Fintan in this difficult time with their finances and any medical bills that may arise to try and alleviate some of the pressure and stress during this horrendous time in their lives,” reports The Mirror.
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