In November of 2022, the communities of Dromcollogher Broadford & Athea received the devastating news that our beloved

friend & colleague Carol Liston O’ Connor was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease, a life limiting condition.

Carol, 42, is originally from Athea & has been living in Broadford for the past 15 years. Carol’s husband, Liam is a self-employed

plumber & their 5 children (Ellie-Mai (11), Molly (9), Liam-Óg (7), Mikie & Paddy (4) are grappling to come to terms with the life

changing diagnosis of Motor Neuron Disease.

Before Carol’s diagnosis she was a very active member of the community. She was a secondary school teacher in Desmond College

(Newcastle West) where she is still held in the highest regard. Carol has given her whole life to working with young people not just

in the classroom but also on the GAA Fields. She not only has played with Athea Ladies Football team but she has also held many

coaching and official positions in Athea & Dromcollogher Broadford GAA Clubs. Carol, despite her diagnosis and challenges, is

currently Chairperson of Dromcollogher Broadford Coiste Na nÓg, a role which she relishes.

About Carol’s disease – MND

MND is the short term for motor neurone disease, which affects the nerves found in the brain and spinal cord, essentially, they

help tell your muscles what to do. If you have MND, this means your muscles will weaken, stiffen and waste, which then will

affect how you will walk, talk, eat, drink and breathe. MND is life-shortening and there is no cure, but there are treatments

which try and reduce the impact it has on a person’s daily life, but these treatments are expensive and very often abroad.

For Carol & her family this disease has had an irrevocable impact on their day-to-day lives. Carol now requires 24-hour care and is

a wheelchair user. Liam is unable to work full-time and is trying to manage Carol’s care and the care of their 5 children. The day-

to-day running of a house and cost of rearing children remains the same. Their mortgage and bills still must be paid.

Our Appeal

We are looking for help with raising money to enable Carol avail of these treatments and make the necessary adaptations to her

home and transportation and ask you to consider contributing to our campaign.

Buying a ticket today will aid Carol in availing of these exploratory treatments, adaptations, and equipment to support her

and her family to live with MND and enable Carol, Liam and their children to enjoy their time together without financial

worries.

Fundraiser for Carol Liston O'Connor and Family