A Dublin dad is using his creative talent in the wake of a terrifying diagnosis, and life changing circumstance.
Fraser Holden, 52, from Rathfarnham, Co. Dublin, was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) three months ago, and suffered a drastic decline in his health.
Since then his life and the lives of his wife Orlagh and daughter Oonagh, have drastically changed.
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Fraser’s loving daughter Oonagh, 7, has a dream – that her dad will be strong on the outside again, she knows he is strong on the inside but Motor Neurone Disease has taken its toll on him.
The Dubliner can no longer walk, brush his teeth, his speech has become slurred and dressing himself is a challenge in itself.
Motor Neurone Disease (MND) is a progressive neurological condition that attacks the motor neurons, or nerves, in the brain and spinal cord.
This means messages gradually stop reaching muscles, which leads to weakness and wasting.
MND can affect how you walk, talk, eat, drink and breathe.
There are currently over 400 people living with MND in Ireland.
MND is often referred to as the 1,000 day disease as most people die within 1,000 days of being diagnosed.
The doting Dad wanted to leave a legacy that his young daughter and family could look back on with pride and love.
The artistic initiative gave them focus, so they started the Black and White Movement.
During the time he has left – Fraser wants to devote himself to supporting those who are supporting him through his journey.
His wife Orlagh has already run 100K in August to raise funds for the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA).
The IMNDA provides specialised services for people affected by this debilitating disease such as equipment on loan, financial assistance towards home help, advice and home visits by MND Nurse.
Fraser, is an artist and along with some close fellow artists have all created pieces with the Black and White theme in mind.
The Dad’s work is named ‘Commodity’, which is a piece made of numerous watches which symbolise how precious time is for us all.
The piece is intended to make you stop and be in the moment, while not thinking about what you need to do or could do.
It is created through the eyes of someone who knows only too well how precious time really is.
Fraser isn’t the only artist in the family, as Oonagh, 7, will also show her work at the exhibition too.
Their next event is a Black and White themed Art Exhibition, taking place on October 20 at 7.30pm in the Richmond Education & Event Centre on Brunswick Street, Dublin 7.
All proceeds from the art sold will go to the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association and all proceeds from ticket sales will support Fraser’s personal journey.
In order to provide vital services the IMNDA depends heavily on the generosity of the public and supporters of the association who generate over 80% of its income.
Fraser’s wife Orlagh set up a GoFundMe page to help raise funds towards giving Fraser a quality of life.
The fundraiser says: “Our life has changed and in order for us to adapt we need your help. I never considered the changes we would have to make and now, as I do just that, the costs keep building.
“Fraser has helped so many people throughout the years, both personally and professionally, and now it is time for us to help him when he needs us most.”
You can make a donation to support Fraser and his family through the GoFundMe here.
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