Fundraising News
Dublin mum taking on mini-marathon for four-year-old son with cerebral palsy
05 May 2026
A Dublin mum is taking on the Vhi Women’s Mini-Marathon this month to raise funds for four-year-old son Andre who has cerebral palsy.
Andre was diagnosed with cerebral palsy just before his first birthday. He suffers from muscle stiffness and uses a wheelchair. He has no right hand function. He also has epilepsy and takes anti-seizure medication as well as being visually impaired.
‘Despite Andre’s complex needs, he is the happiest little boy, full of fun and smiles. He brightens up a room with his cheeky laugh and loves a party. He’s also currently obsessed with cars!
Andre's mum
The family and their supporters have recently raised funds for a 32,000 euro bed for Andre, as well as therapies both in Ireland and the Olinek Centre in Poland. They are now continuing to raise funds to take Andre back to Poland, as well as adaptations to their house.
‘As Andre grows helping him to move around becomes harder! We would like him to have more independence – if he wants to go to his room, he should be able to do so without always having to ask. We would like to build a downstairs bedroom and wet room for him, and ideally install a stair lift.’
‘We’re also hoping to take him back to the Olinek Centre – the visits there have made such a difference to him. I credit them with getting him out of his chair and into a walking frame. Every time we’ve been he’s come on leaps and bounds.’
Andre's mum
Kirsty said: ‘I haven't done any running for a number of years, it's something I always enjoyed, but with a full time caring role I've found it hard to keep motivated and find the energy! Training hasn't gone as planned due to a few unexpected hospital stays but I'm confident on the day I'll manage to achieve my target time. ’
Kirsty added: ‘The support of our friends and the community mean so much to us. Andre is now walking with a frame, thriving in preschool and swimming confidently. Every penny raised goes towards therapies which help him live his very best life, as independently and comfortable as possible.’
‘My husband was initially hesitant about asking for help with fundraising, but joining Tree of Hope has been life-changing for us all and made such a difference to Andre.’
The family is being supported by children’s charity Tree of Hope, which helps families raise money for children and young people like Andre for medical treatments and healthcare services not freely available to them through the NHS or HSE and social care. The charity provides fundraising guidance, campaign development, financial management, charity registration and emotional support from the Family Support team. Families like Andre’s benefit from gift aid, corporate support while also providing donor reassurance.
‘We wish Andre and his family all the best and are pleased to be supporting them to give them the support in reaching their fundraising goals.’
CEO
To find out more about Andre or contribute to his fund, or to sponsor Kirsty, visit https://www.treeofhope.org.uk/get-involved/childrens-campaigns/enabling-andre/ or https://www.justgiving.com/page/kirsty-diaso-4
