Fundraiser aims to bring Kells grandmother back closer to home after MND diagnosis

A Kells family is hoping the kindness of the local community will help bring their beloved mother closer to home after a devastating diagnosis of Motor Neurone Disease turned their lives upside down.

Bridget Fitzsimons (71) has spent the past four months in Navan Hospital, where she continues to receive care following a rapid decline in her health. Now, her family's greatest wish is to secure her a place in a nursing home in Kells, allowing her to be closer to her husband Larry, daughters Diane and Tracey, grandchildren, extended family and lifelong friends.

Just weeks after doctors confirmed Bridget had the life-limiting neurological condition, her family launched a fundraising campaign to help cover nursing home costs and purchase a wheelchair-accessible vehicle so she can continue making precious memories with her loved ones.

Bridget's daughter, Diane, said the diagnosis came as a devastating shock after what initially appeared to be complications following a fall almost a year ago.

"Mam fell and broke her hip nearly a year ago and had a hip replacement," Diane explained.

"She came home and was walking slowly, but then she started having problems with her legs. She went for lots of tests and they all came back clear."

It was only after Bridget was transferred to the Mater Hospital for further assessment that doctors delivered the heartbreaking news.

"They called us in and said it looked like Motor Neurone Disease," Diane recalled.

"We asked could they be wrong and the doctor said, 'No, I've seen it so many times before.'"

The diagnosis was confirmed around a month ago and the disease has progressed rapidly.

"Six or seven weeks ago she still had some movement, but now there's no movement in one arm and she's in an electric wheelchair," Diane said.

Before her illness, Bridget had a full and active life.

"She was so outgoing. She loved getting into the car, going shopping, heading off to the beach or meeting people. She knows so many people around Kells and absolutely adores her grandchildren.

"She was always on the go."

The family initially hoped Bridget could return to the family home.

However, following an occupational therapy assessment, they were told this would not be possible.

"There isn't room to build an extension or create proper facilities downstairs," Diane explained.

"They told us she would effectively be confined to the sitting room. Mam herself said she didn't want that. She didn't want visitors coming into the sitting room where all her medical equipment would be."

Instead, Bridget made the difficult decision herself to move into a nursing home.

"That was another blow," Diane said.

"We were devastated, but Mam made the decision because she knew she needed 24-hour care."

The family's greatest wish now is to move Bridget from Navan Hospital to a nursing home in Kells, allowing her to remain close to the people and places she knows best.

While the Fair Deal Scheme will assist with some of the nursing home costs, Diane said there are still significant expenses facing the family, alongside the cost of specialist equipment and transport.

"We're just trying to have some funds behind Dad to help with the nursing home costs," she said.

"If we could get a second-hand wheelchair-accessible vehicle, we could bring Mam out to the beach or for days out and make the most of the time we have together."

Launching the fundraiser was not an easy decision.

"I really didn't want to ask people for money," Diane admitted.

"But people kept saying to me, 'Set up a GoFundMe.'"

She said the family has been overwhelmed by the generosity already shown by neighbours, friends and complete strangers.

"It's just amazing how generous people have been."

Despite the challenges ahead, the family remain determined to create as many special moments as possible with Bridget.

"When Mam first heard the diagnosis she said her life was over," Diane said.

"But we've told her we'll do everything we can to make life as good as possible and make as many memories as we can."

Several Kells businesses have also pledged to support the fundraising effort, including Dad's Cycle for Charity, Anne Marie's Beauty Rooms and Caolan Cole Fitness each organising fundraising initiatives for Bridget and her family.

Anyone wishing to support the fundraiser can do so through the family's GoFundMe page here which has been set up to help meet Bridget's nursing home and medical expenses, while also funding a wheelchair-accessible vehicle to allow her to continue enjoying outings with those closest to her.