Sporting hero appeals for help - Event Information

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Fundraisers are planning a series of events so that Hattersley man Neil Lonergan can undergo a ground-breaking new treatment for Multiple Sclerosis which is currently not available on the NHS. Neil was diagnosed with MS 10 years ago. Following recent relapses of his condition. Neil has difficulty walking, with his balance and with fatigue. He attends the Trafford Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre (TMSTC) for oxygen and other therapies – none of which are NHS-funded. At first Neil carried on working full time but eventually had to move to part time hours for three years - and now he has had to give up work due to his debilitating condition.
Neil has found out about a new treatment which is now offered in the UK. The operation is known as CCSVI (Chronic cerebrospinal venous deficiency). With help from supporters in the local community and beyond, he is now hoping to raise funds to help meet the costs of the treatment. A series of events are planned and family and friends have pledged their support to carry out sponsored events.
Neil is currently the chairman of the Hattersley Football Club - for which he has helped secure £1 million of funding. He was awarded the Stalybridge & Hyde District F.A Volunteer of the year award, and then won the overall Volunteer of the Year award for Cheshire County in 2006 and the North West community volunteers’ award in 2007. Neil was voted a local sporting hero in 2008.  In 2007 the then Culture, Media and Sports Secretary James Purnell said MS sufferer Neil’s perseverance in saving a troubled local football team was a shining example to everyone. Mr Purnell, then MP for Stalybridge and Hyde, told Labour delegates he was launching a campaign to recruit thousands of volunteer coaches ‘just like Neil’. 

Neil has contributed to many local fundraising activities for local youngsters including raising over £6,000 in one day for local youngster Jamie Tregaskiss. Neil and his wife were instrumental in setting up the Hattersley children’s football club and Neil currently manages the under 15s' boys’ team. There are currently 123 children from age six and upwards associated with the club.

He says: “This operation could change the quality of my life and that of my family. It’s a little bit of light at the end of the tunnel for me. I’d love to go back to work and to continue the work I do with the local community.”

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Contact Information: To donate to Neil’s appeal visit www.justgiving.com/Neil-Lonergan

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