Caring for Claire campaign continues
By Liudmyla Bortok
The family of 41-year-old secondary teacher Claire Downey-Smith from Mitchelstown/Kilbehenny, who is now living with Motor Neurone Disease (MND), are appealing for urgent support so she can regain her independence and continue making precious memories with her children.
The ‘Caring for Claire’ iDonate appeal, supported by Ballygiblin GAA, St Fanahan’s Camogie and Ladies Football clubs, has raised more than €68,000, but still needs to reach its €80,000 target.
It all began with what seemed like a simple foot pain in May last year—shortly after her son’s First Communion. By March 2025, Claire was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease.
Claire’s health has deteriorated rapidly. Previously teaching science and maths at Coláiste Fionnchua, playing sports, and driving her three young children, she now relies entirely on a wheelchair and rollator. She cannot move around her own home or take her children—Fionn (9), Aoibheann (8) and Odhrán (4)—to school or sport without help.
Her husband, Mark, described how life changed almost overnight, highlighting how rare it is for a woman of Claire’s age to receive an MND diagnosis.
Funds raised will be used to adapt their home—adding wheelchair ramps, a wet room, accessible bathrooms, and a downstairs bedroom—and to purchase an adapted car. These changes will be life-changing, allowing Claire to regain independence.
Mark emphasised that Claire’s greatest wish is to keep making memories with their children, from sports days to simple family outings.
He said every donation helps Claire live with dignity: “We don’t know what is going to happen. We do whatever we can to give Claire more independence.”
Despite the incredible generosity so far, Mark acknowledged they are “still falling short of what’s needed.”
Claire is determined to return to teaching where she can, and Mark assured everyone she will remain at the heart of their family “no matter what happens.”
He also stressed how an adapted car would bring back the freedom they all miss. On behalf of Claire, Mark and their children, the family deeply thanks everyone who has supported them. Your help will give Claire the accessibility she needs, keep her connected to her loved ones, and allow her to continue creating meaningful memories during this difficult and uncertain journey.
Claire said she is very grateful for all the support she has received from her local communities in Kilbehenny, Ballygibblin, Anglesboro and Mitchelstown adding that they have all been so good to her since her diagnosis.