An incredible fundraiser was organized to raise funds for a medical vehicle for a severely disabled child in Offaly.

Holly Cullen (7) from Edenderry was seven weeks old when she had her first seizure.

Investigations at Temple Street Children’s Hospital led to her being diagnosed with a brain malformation called pollymicrogirea (PMG), which is quite rare. PMG can affect people in different ways, from mild to profound.

Holly’s tests showed such seizure activity that her parents were told to take her home and enjoy their time with her. The side effects of Holly’s medications cause severe drowsiness and she also suffers from liver disease.

The next fundraiser will see a Ford Custom van, supplied by Donal Murtagh Mobility in Moate, pulled around 40km from Newbridge to Edenderry on Saturday August 13.

Ten people at a time will pull the van, meeting at various locations.

“We’ve contacted the garage that has the van Holly needs and they’ll let us take her for the day,” Holly’s aunt Trish Cullen said.

Holly’s family are hoping to raise €50,000 to buy the much-needed modified vehicle to meet Holly’s needs, and they have already raised €6,085.

Holly needs round-the-clock care according to her aunt. “Her food has to be mixed and they have to do everything for her. Holly has seizures every day. She is an incredibly resilient and strong girl who fights this fight with a smile on her face and never gives up, a true warrior princess.

Trish says they need a van for Holly because she needs to get a new, bigger wheelchair soon.

“Holly’s family are trying to keep life at home as normal as possible, going outside and going to her brothers’ football games, but lifting her up and out of the car is getting harder and harder as she gets older. ‘she grows up.

“As she gets older they are also limited to where they can go because it’s harder to find suitable places to change her, being able to change her in the back of a van would make life so much easier and more accessible.

“A wheelchair accessible van would have a massive positive impact on the whole family.”

A raffle will also take place on the day at the Derry Rovers AFC sports complex in Edenderry. It costs €10 for a raffle ticket with a host of great prizes on offer. There will also be music and entertainment for children.

A Go Fund Me page has been created as part of the fundraising effort, and donations can be made here.