Mountjoy Staff Fundraiser for PHA Ireland – Update

PHA Ireland have issued the following Press release in advance of Monday’s (9th September) static cycle fundraiser in aid of PHA Ireland.

After Breath taking match – the Dubs do it all again for Charity

Most of us take breathing for granted. Persons living with Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) do not – for them breathing is a daily challenge. PH is an extremely rare and progressive disease caused by narrowing or tightening of the pulmonary arteries, which connect the right side of the heart to the lungs. The Slogan for the Pulmonary Hypertension Association is ‘Get Breathless of PH’. Patients ask able bodied people to perform sporting activities which makes them breathless. This is the how PH patients feel all of the time.

In an effort to raise awareness of this devastating disease two of the oldest institutions in Dublin have come together for a day of Awareness, Fun and Breathlessness. Staff from Mountjoy Prison will bring bikes from their gymnasium to the hospital. A static cycle will commence at 9am and will continue till 5pm on the North Circular Road entrance to the Hospital. A BBQ will be set up on the street by the catering staff in the prison and burgers (Meat & Vegan) will be sold in aid of the PH Association. It is a true show of unity that members of the Dublin Senior Football Team and other sports personalities from the city will join in this great event. We are honoured that the Lord Mayor of Dublin Paul McAuliffe has agreed to call to see us and join in on the activities

Pulmonary hypertension occurs in individuals of all ages, races and ethnic backgrounds although it is much more common in young adults and is twice as common in women as in men. Not all PH is the same. There are five different groups of PH based on different causes.

There is no cure for PH, but there are treatments that can manage the disease and help the patient to have some quality of life. It is vital that it is diagnosed as early as possible. Unfortunately PH is often mis diagnosed as a more common ailment like asthma. Symptoms of PH do not usually occur until the condition has progressed and if a patient does not receive the correct treatment within 2.5 years – they could die. Because the condition is so rare, circa 15-50 per million, patients and their carers often feel isolated, lonely and frightened. It is also devastating for PH patients that despite many campaigns – their condition is not considered a long term illness in this country. The Mater University Hospital is the only centre of excellence in Ireland.

Further information from Regina Prenderville, Pulmonary Hypertension Association – Ireland
Tel: 087 637 6563 : Email: pha@mater.ie www.pulmonaryhypertension.ie

At the time of writing the following guest attendees are expected – this may be subject to change

• Kelly Harrington – Boxer
• Lord Mayor of Dublin Paul McAullife from 10.30am to 11.30am
• Philly McMahon – Dublin Footballer
• Johnny Cooper – Dublin Footballer
• Eoin Murchan – Dublin Footballer
• Rory O Carroll – Dublin Footballer 1.00 to 2.00pm
• Paddy McBrearty – Donegal Footballer
• Shane Carty – Dublin Senior hurler
• John Hetherton – Dublin hurler
• A number of Dublin Ladies Footballers – names and times will be confirmed