A group of Aer Lingus’ cabin crew pals have started a fundraiser for their "much loved" stewardess friend who is bravely battling motor neurone disease.
Stephanie Scott Byrne from Cabinteely was diagnosed with motor neurone disease last January. She started working for Aer Lingus in 2005 and loved her job, with her colleagues describing her as having an "infectious" love of people and fun.
Unfortunately, in recent months Stephanie's condition has worsened meaning that she cannot work - and her doting husband Michael is taking care of her and their family. Stephanie's Aer Lingus colleagues, Fiona and Anne Gillespie, set up the GoFundMe page in October to help support Stephanie and her family “through these challenging times ahead”.
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Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is a progressive neurological condition in which the nerves that control voluntary muscles stop working. It attacks the motor neurones, or nerves, in the brain and spinal cord, meaning that messages gradually stop reaching muscles, which leads to weakness and wasting.
There is currently no cure for motor neurone disease. Stephanie’s husband Michael has given up his job to be her sole carer and to parent their nine-year-old daughter April.
The fundraiser had a goal of €5,000 but has since raised an astonishing almost €60,000. Speaking to Dublin Live, Gillespie said that the support that the fundraiser has received has been "phenomenal."
Anne said: "Last January Stephanie was diagnosed with motor neurone disease, it's a horrible disease and could happen to any of us. Stephanie is great, she's full of life, hardworking and loyal. She's just an all round good person and much loved."
"Mike her husband has given up his job to be her sole carer and to parent their daughter April aged 9. So we decided to start the GoFundMe to support Stephanie and her family. We've had a great response raising almost €60,000, it's phenomenal."
Trade union Forsa has also shown support for the fundraiser in recent days. Patricia O’Sullivan, Chairperson of the Cabin Crew Branch Executive, hailed Stephanie’s Aer Lingus colleagues, family and friends for supporting the fundraiser.
She said: “They have all rallied support for Stephanie and her family and the huge gesture of solidarity is something we hope will give them comfort at this difficult time”.
Niall Mullally, Chairperson of Forsa’s Services and Enterprises division and fellow cabin crew member, said the establishment of the fundraiser reflected the support, respect and friendship of Stephanie’s cabin crew colleagues and her wider family and friends.
He said: “Fiona and Anne’s initiative reflects the best of trade union values and overwhelming solidarity among cabin crew. Equally, Forsa’s Services and Enterprises division is actively encouraging anyone who can to support this fundraising effort."
Following the amazing support from over 1,000 people, Michael shared a message to the page to thank everyone who has reached out to them. He said: “Hi everyone, we are so grateful for all the generosity of your efforts to help us.
“If Stephanie was well enough, she would be thanking you personally.” He shared the sad news that Stephanie’s condition has deteriorated. “Unfortunately, her illness has progressed, and basic communication is a burden for her,” he said.
He said that former cabin crew member Stephanie was “overwhelmed” by the kindness of those who donated. Michael added: "When I showed her this page she was overwhelmed, and I am equally humbled by the kindness of each and every one of you."
To donate to the fundraiser to support Stephanie and her family, click here
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