By Michelle Crean

One family are so thankful for the services provided for their daughter with a vision impairment that they're calling on the community to support their upcoming fundraiser.

12-year-old Grace O’Sullivan was diagnosed with Stargardt disease five years ago, which causes progressive sight loss.

However, her family, mom Mary, dad Canice and sisters Farrah and Maisy, have been so amazed by the wonderful support from the National Council for the Blind of Ireland (NCBI) and the assistive technology which helps her live a relatively normal life, that they've organised the 'Pedal for Grace' charity cycle fundraiser next month.

"It affects her central vision," Grace’s mom Mary O’Sullivan, whose parents Sean and Mary O'Donoghue live in Deerpark, told the Killarney Advertiser.

"She has about two thirds of her central vision and has trouble recognising faces and fine detail, but to look at Grace you'd think there was nothing wrong."

She added that it's a progressive genetic disease and researchers think that both parents are carriers.

Unaware of the support of NCBI until they needed it, Mary says that they are a wonderful charity which allows Grace to meet with others her own age going through the same thing.

"NCBI helped Grace to become confident and independent as she goes through different stages of life," Mary, who previously raised €8,000 with a skydive and fancy dress party for her 40th birthday three years ago, said.

"Our family have decided to hold a charity cycle to show our appreciation and give something back to help others in the same situation."

EVENT

The event will kick off at the Firies Community Centre, Church Road on September 10.

Registration for 'Pedal for Grace' can be done on the NCBI website event page in advance of the event or can be completed on the day of the event from 8.30am onwards.

Those who fundraise €100 or more for the event will receive a free cycling jersey and no registration fee will be required. All cyclists must wear helmets.

You can also choose to take part in one of two events: 9.30am – 60km cycle of the Killorglin Loop, registration fee is €30, or the 10km cycle loop at 10.30am and the registration fee is €10.

Music and more fun will be available at Henderson’s Bar following the cycles.
People who wish to register for Grace’s big day can do so on the Pedal for Grace event page.