Glovers Alley fundraiser raises €65k for Debra
One of Ireland’s top restaurants has again hosted a fundraising lunch , which raised over €65,000 for the EB charity, Debra.
(L-R) Former Ireland international and Leinster rugby legend Johnny Sexton, pictured with Claudia Scanlon, centre, and her mother Liz Collins, at a fundraising lunch in Glovers Alley restaurant in Dublin’s Fitzwilliam Hotel, in aid of EB charity, Debra
The hospitality industry came together for the star-studded event at Michelin-starred Glovers Alley in Dublin’s Fitzwilliam Hotel yesterday (Wed), the second consecutive year the award-winning restaurant has hosted the gala.
The special guests included former Ireland international and Leinster rugby legend Johnny Sexton, there to support his friend, Claudia Scanlon and her mum, Liz Collins.
Debra supports Claudia, and around 300 others in Ireland, living with epidermolysis bullosa (EB), the extremely painful genetic condition caused by an absence of proteins between the skin layers.
In the most severe cases, it is managed by daily and lengthy bandaging of the skin, which causes further pain.
“I’ve known Claudia since she was little, and every time I see her, I’m reminded why the work Debra does — and why families like hers keep pushing — matters so much,” said Sexton.
“Seeing a room full of people come together, put the jersey on, and get behind a cause like this is incredibly powerful. It’s very close to my heart, and I’m proud to stand with this community.”
Claudia told guests that the national charity was the reason people with EB keep hoping and pushing for a future where better treatments, and ultimately cures, are possible.
“I’m so grateful to everyone who showed up and gave so generously,” she said.
“Living with EB, you quickly realise that even the most basic things aren’t straightforward — and that you can’t do it alone.
“For people like me, and for our families, it truly takes a village. Organisations like Debra, and communities like this one, make that village real.”
An incredible array of prizes was up for grabs at a post-lunch raffle, as Glovers Alley laid on its venue free of charge, while its suppliers provided food and wines.
Jimmy Fearon, CEO of Debra, said the ‘remarkable kindness’ of the restaurant and hotel, led by Andy McFadden and Fergal O’Connell respectively, ensured that 100% of every euro raised goes directly to those who need it most.
“On the island of Ireland, there are more than 300 impacted by EB, a relentless condition that brings profound physical challenges; in its most severe forms, it requires hours of excruciating daily bandage care,” he said.
“Your presence offers a powerful counterpoint to that pain. Your compassion allows us to provide a lifeline to our community through care, advocacy, and research.”
Claudia’s mother Liz told how trying to manage EB is “a battle”.
“At the moment, I am dealing with several different agencies for my daughter. If someone does not turn up, the management of that is so stressful. Debra is the only place we can turn for the support and advocacy we need to ensure our children are not left to suffer in silence. Your support today is quite literally our lifeline,” she said.
Mr O’Connell told guests the venue was honoured to host the fundraiser for a second year, supporting Debra in its crucial work to help those living with EB in Ireland.
“While we are happy to provide this space to Debra, this is a real coming together of the hospitality industry – we could not do it without the tremendous support of our donors and suppliers, all of whom are helping this remarkable charity continue the dogged pursuit of finding a cure for EB and exploring better treatments for those enduring it every day.”
The live auction included bidding for a series of incredible items, the highlight of which was ‘Train Like a Legend’, an exclusive session with Debra ambassador Sexton, providing six young rugby enthusiasts with a private 45-minute coaching clinic, where the legendary fly-half will share the elite skills and tactical insights that defined his record-breaking career.
Other lots included an executive chauffeur transfer to Midleton Distillery, a framed 1999 Treble-winning Manchester United jersey, a meal for eight people prepared at home by Glovers Alley Executive Chef, Andy McFadden, a week-long stay in a beachfront residence on Moody Beach, Maine, and a private helicopter transfer to legendary trainer Noel Meade’s renowned yard for a personal VIP tour.
To learn more about, or donate to, Debra, visit: debra.ie.
