Ambitious fundraiser from Wexford boosts support for Motor Neurone Disease services
A remarkable fundraising effort by a Wexford student has captured the imagination of his community and supporters nationwide. Tommy Kehoe, who is sitting his Junior Certificate this year, completed a demanding swim from the Saltee Islands to Kilmore Quay, raising more than €4,000 for the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association (IMNDA).
The 14-year-old was joined by five fellow swimmers, including one of his teachers, Ms Sandra Bates, who supported him throughout the journey. The team’s aim was simple yet heartfelt: to drive awareness and vital funding for the IMNDA, whose work benefits hundreds of families affected by MND in Ireland.
Tommy’s courageous feat highlights the power of community and youth-led fundraising in addressing a condition that remains challenging to treat. The Saltee to Kilmore Quay swim required careful planning, training, and a strong sense of purpose—qualities Tommy demonstrated in abundance as he undertook the challenge with the encouragement of his classmates and teacher by his side.
Proceeds from the swim will support IMNDA services, which include nurse specialists, equipment loans, counselling, and a range of online resources. Fiona Thornton, Head of Communications and Advocacy for the IMNDA, emphasised how crucial individual generosity is to sustaining these services.
“The IMNDA receives only a small portion of its funding from the State, which we are trying to change, meaning we rely heavily on public donations and community fundraising to continue our work. Around 86% of our annual income comes from the generosity of individuals, families, and local initiatives like this one,” Thornton explained. She also highlighted the strides being made in care and awareness, thanks in part to ongoing fundraising efforts.
Tommy’s swim is a testament to how targeted community action can make a real difference. With the help of supportive teachers, family, and friends, the young athlete turned a challenging physical pursuit into a beacon of hope for people living with MND across Ireland.
For the IMNDA, the focus remains on expanding access to MND nurse specialists, improving equipment loans, and offering counselling and information online. Recent milestones include the addition of a seventh MND nurse and a commitment to raising awareness among healthcare professionals through webinars and resources. The association stresses that while progress has been made, sustained public support is essential to improve the standard of care for all those affected.
Motivation from stories like Tommy’s also comes during a period when public figures and communities reflect on the impact of MND. The illness, though rare, affects hundreds in Ireland each year and continues to drive demand for comprehensive support services, research, and accessible care pathways. By turning a personal challenge into a local fundraiser, Tommy is helping to keep this essential work in the spotlight and inspire others to contribute in meaningful ways.
As Tommy Kehoe looks toward the rest of his Junior Certificate year, his achievement stands as a powerful example of what can be accomplished with determination and community backing. His swim not only raised funds but also awareness, reminding us all that every donation—no matter the size—can help sustain vital services for those living with MND in Ireland.
