Sport stars line out to raise funds for brothers

Soccer and hurling legends are preparing to clash to raise funds for two brothers suffering from a rare disease.

Medics hope the transplant will help Ryan as he battles adrenoleuko-dystrophy (ALD).

Ryan and brother Ethan, 4, were both diagnosed with the genetic disorder, which was made famous in the 1992 film Lorenzo’s Oil.

Ethan will shortly travel to the same hospital in Minnesota for surgery. Ryan’s twin, Jack, does not have the disease.

Jack and Ethan are being cared for by their grandparents in Tramore, Co Waterford, while parents Caroline and James remain at Ryan’s bedside.

Waterford United Stars will take on Waterford Hurling Legends on Feb 2 as part of ongoing fundraising efforts. Tickets are on sale now.

Tramore mayor Joe Conway said that he was “overwhelmed by the generosity and enthusiasm of the community” in response to the appeal.

“In so many places and around many locations, I see what I could only describe as heroes doing their bit to help these two little lads and giving some hope,” said Mr Conway. “There is an old Irish proverb that is so appropriate at this time — in am an ghatair a aithnitear do chairde — in times of trouble, you know your friends.”

ALD damages the myelin sheath, the protective layering covering nerve cells in the brain. It typically presents in children between the ages of 4 and 10. Symptoms can include aggression, visual problems, seizures, difficulty speaking and swallowing, and eventually, progressive dementia.

*Donations can be made through Bank of Ireland. Account number 18596922, sort code 904704.