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THE Healy-Rae brothers saddled up early in advance of Ireland BikeFest, getting on their bikes yesterday to highlight a raffle that is taking place in aid of supports and services for people with muscular dystrophy in Kerry.

The independent Kerry TDs Michael and Danny Healy-Rae donned their leathers and motorcycle helmets to generate support for the Muscular Dystrophy Ireland National Harley-Davidson® Raffle which sees one lucky member of the public ride off with a Harley Davidson® at this year's Ireland BikeFest taking place in Killarney over the June Bank Holiday weekend.

It's all part of a thrilling fundraising initiative where people can enter into a draw to win a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle. Monies raised will go to fund essential supports and services to people affected by muscular dystrophy and their families in County Kerry.

To enter the raffle, members of the public can simply text "BIKEFEST" to 50300* with each text costing €4, plus there is absolutely no limit to the number of entries a person can make, so even more chances to win! [*100 per cent of this donation goes to Muscular Dystrophy Ireland across most network operators. Some operators apply VAT which means that a minimum of €3.25 will go to Muscular Dystrophy Ireland. Service Provider: LIKECHARITY. Helpline: 076 680 5278.

BikeFest is Ireland’s largest free open biker festival and 2016 marks the tenth year of a unique and special relationship with Muscular Dystrophy Ireland as its official charity partner. Muscular dystrophy is a rare, and potentially life-limiting, muscle-wasting condition that is estimated to affect approximately 1,500 people across Ireland. There is no known cure.

Muscular Dystrophy Ireland’s CEO, John Bennett, is keen to acknowledge the long-standing support received from Ireland BikeFest over ten years. Speaking following the launch, Mr Bennett said:

"For over 44 years, Muscular Dystrophy Ireland has been on the ground all over the country supporting people with muscular dystrophy and their families to live their lives to the full. Thanks to Ireland BikeFest, we have been able to deliver critical services and supports ranging from youth activities, to family and respite support, to medical research programmes. This year all funds raised from Muscular

Dystrophy Ireland's National Harley-Davidson® Raffle will stay in the Kingdom to support our local members.

"We are extremely grateful to Ireland BikeFest for allowing Muscular Dystrophy Ireland this platform, not only to raise funds, but also to raise awareness of the work that we do and the inspiring lives of the people that we support. We are also honoured to have Deputies Michael and Danny Healy-Rae on board as ambassadors. They really have gotten into the spirit of things by literally 'riding' to our rescue, and their support offers a great endorsement of Muscular Dystrophy Ireland's work."

Kerry TDs Michael and Danny Healy-Rae stated before the launch: “We are delighted to host the launch of the Muscular Dystrophy Ireland's National Harley-Davidson® Raffle to help raise funds for a great organisation. This occasion provides a very important opportunity for MDI to engage with the people and communities of Kerry and to help fund their services in our county. The money raised will fund vital services in the county to help improve the lives of MDI members.”

Patrick O’Donoghue, managing director of The Gleneagle Hotel, host of Ireland BikeFest said: "The Muscular Dystrophy Ireland National Harley-Davidson® Raffle is a wonderful way to raise funds and also to raise awareness. Muscular Dystrophy Ireland carries out incredible work on behalf of their members and we are delighted to play our part in supporting them."

For more information on the Muscular Dystrophy Ireland National Harley-Davidson® Raffle, Freefone 1800 24 53 00, visit www.mdi.ie, or follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/musculardystrophyireland and on Twitter @MDI_Ireland

Deputies Michael and Danny Healy-Rae with Liam O Maonlai of The Hothouse Flowers John Keogh, Ireland BikeFest, Breffni Ingerton Ireland BikeFest, John Bennett, CEO, MDI and Patrick Flanagan, MDI in Killarney on Sunday at the launch of Muscular Dystrophy Ireland's Harley-Davidson® Raffle/Draw which takes place during the Ireland BikeFest Festival on June 5.
PICTURE: DON MACMONAGLE