Following the recent news regarding HSE approval of Givinostat for use in people living with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy as well as reimbursement of Skyclarys medication for those living with Friedreich’s Ataxia, MDI continues to undertake activity to raise awareness and funds.
Walk4Ollie returns on Saturday, 26th September, with MDI member Paddy Hickey and dad to Ollie, who lives with Bethlam Myopathy Muscular Dystrophy, once again taking to the road to raise vital funds and awareness for Muscular Dystrophy Ireland (MDI) and the Ollie Hickey Fund.
The annual event will see Paddy undertake a seven-leg journey from North Wall in Dublin to Enfield, Co. Meath, with supporters invited to join him for all or part of the route. The routes passes along Cross Runs Bridge, Castleknock, Leixlip Confey, Maynooth, Kilcock and Fern’s Lock before reaching Enfield, where supporters will come together to mark the end of the day with the second annual Rock4Ollie, a community concert.
Since the first Walk4Ollie in 2023, Paddy and his supporters have raised more than €130,000 with the help of his community in aid of MDI. The Ollie Hickey Fund is delivered through two streams: the Fund and the Bursary. Both support people in accessing opportunities, experiences, equipment and services that can promote independence, inclusion and quality of life.
During 2025 and 2026 to date, €35,833 has been spent through the Fund, supporting initiatives including Barretstown, physical therapy and nutrition sessions delivered through Siel Bleu, mobile occupational therapy and FAI match tickets.
A further €13,942 has been spent through the Bursary during 2025 and 2026, helping recipients access swimming lessons, accessibility and mobility equipment, as well as adaptations to their homes and cars.
Paddy Hickey said: “When we started Walk4Ollie, we wanted to raise awareness of Bethlem myopathy and help other families living with neuromuscular conditions. To have raised more than €130,000 over the last three years is something we are incredibly proud of, but seeing the impact of this is what makes it even more special. “We are asking people to get behind Walk4Ollie again this year. You can join us for a leg of the walk, set up your own fundraiser, make a donation or simply share the message. Every bit of support helps us reach more people and continue creating opportunities for those living with neuromuscular conditions.”
Alan Breathnach CEO of MDI said: “The generosity behind Walk4Ollie has created a lasting legacy through the Ollie Hickey Fund. The figures tell an important story, but behind every euro is a person who has been able to access something that supports their independence, participation or quality of life”.
“We are hugely grateful to Paddy, Ollie and the entire Hickey family, as well as everyone who has walked, donated, fundraised and helped spread the word over the past three years. We hope people will get behind Walk4Ollie on 26 September and help us continue this important work.”
There are three simple ways to support Walk4Ollie this year: you can donate and help the Ollie Hickey Fund continue providing practical support, fundraise by taking part in Walk4Ollie or organising your own fundraising activity, or raise awareness by sharing information about Walk4Ollie, Bethlem myopathy and the work of Muscular Dystrophy Ireland.
People can also join Paddy for one of the seven legs on 26 September, making the event accessible to anyone who would like to take part for part of the journey.
To donate, fundraise, find out more about Walk4Ollie or join the walk, visit MDI’s website or contact foundation@mdi.ie.
