A matter of life and death.
Julie O’Connell from Dublin is moving heaven and earth to raise money for her future father-in-law’s life saving surgery.
Eight weeks ago father-of-two Richie Callaghan, 47, was diagnosed with a form of liver cancer that cannot be cured in Ireland. Richie needs to raise €250,000 to fly out to Canada where he can be treated, and needs to raise it as soon as possible.
Julie, who got engaged to Richie’s son Ben eight weeks ago, has set up the Get Richie to Canada fund on ifundraise.ie where people can donate to the worthy cause.
Richie’s wife Samantha has found Aviva Insurance unable to assist her family in their attempts to save Richie, as her policy will only grant her €22,000 “despite paying a substantial premium which includes elective overseas treatments.”
Nevertheless, Julie and Richie’s family are optimistic about Richie’s chance of getting to Canada. “Yes, we are feeling positive that he is going to Canada,” Julie told JOE.
“Fundraising is kicking off and we’re getting a lot set up. The main one will be The Cube in the Wright Venue.”
A Facebook page has been set up to keep everyone abreast of fundraisers for Richie’s treatment. Currently advertised on the page is an event to be held in the Portmarnock Shopping Centre on July 31st.
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