Donegal parents take the leap for Rare Ireland at Croke Park

Three Donegal natives abseiled down Croke Park in aid of Rare Ireland. 

Laura Brady and scfe Robbie Barlow from Mountcharles and Laura McCrea from Donegal Town participated in the Leap for Rare Ireland, a charity dedicated to supporting families affected by rare diseases. 

The trio arrived at Croke Park before the safety brief, learning to use the ropes and equipment for the descent. Then, they walked on to the roof and Laura and Robbie went first. 

“I knew I couldn’t chicken out by doing it first,” Laura tells DonegalLive. “The instructors were absolutely amazing. Even though it was terrifying at the start, by climbing over the metal gate, once you trusted the rope, it was actually a lovely experience. 

“We were no sooner on the ground and I looked up and could see Laura flying down the rope with a big, happy smile; she absolutely loved every minute of it.” 

Laura and Robbie’s son, Jason, was diagnosed with Hereditary spastic paraplegia 26 (HSP 26), a complex and rare neurodegenerative disorder characterised by progressive lower limb spasticity and weakness. HSP 26 affects only six people worldwide, one of whom is Jason.

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As their friend, Laura McCrea undertook the challenge in support of Jason. The fundraiser - A Leap for Rare Ireland - is still open until Wednesday, March 18. 

“We would like to thank everyone from the bottom of our hearts for donating and for reading our story. 

“We have raised a lot of awareness for Rare Ireland and for children with rare diseases. Everyone in our community has been amazing, getting behind us and sharing our story.”