COLIN SUPPORTING THE "DEBRA IRELAND" ORGANIZATION

Colin with the beautiful Claudia Collins

EXTRACT:

ACTOR Colin Farrell said he identifies with the parents of children with a crippling skin disease, as his own son Suffered from health problems.

Although he has yet to do his Christmas shopping, the Hollywood star took time out to listen to the stories of families affected by epidermolysis bullosa (EB).
 

The actor braved the snowy Conditions to meet people from Debra Ireland, the organization provides nursing support Which is a so-called butterfly children, Whose skin blisters at the Slightest Touch.

He spent close to two hours chatting to the families before whisking eight lucky women off for a slap-up meal in Shanahan's on the Green. 

Colin's own son James (7) was misdiagnosed with cerebral palsy for a year-and-a half before doctors subsequently discovered that he has a rare condition -- Angelman Syndrome.

The Dublin actor said he empathised with the parents who had children with health problems, but said that each story was different. 

"Everyone's journey is specific to them. So I can't say I understand how the parents feel -- the confusion and fear, concern for the future of their children, nor can I understand the pain they are going through," he told the Herald. 

"But at the same time I have my own version of the experience."

The actor, who travelled by ferry to get home in time for Christmas and still has presents to buy, said that he was particularly touched by Emma Fogarty's story.

Emma (26) is the patient ambassador with Debra Ireland and has had since birth.  Her fingers are fused together, she finds it difficult to walk and has spent months in hospital.

But the determined young woman has helped to raise awareness of EB.

Colin said his son James has a number of health problems, but he couldn't imagine the pain and suffering experienced by children with EB.

"With James's condition -- there is not really that much pain involved," he said.

"But with EB there is so much pain and discomfort on a daily basis and just being incredibly cautious not to knock things."

"It's just astonishing what some people deal with on a daily basis - how it's just the simple things we take for granted, that we are so fortunate."

The actor took eight women affected by EB and lucky Herald readers, along with CEO of Debra Ireland Jimmy Fearon, to a private dinner date.

Emma Fogarty, Lisa Doran, Eimear Flood, Linda Kenny, Liezel Kennelly, Liz Collins, Bernadette Gorman and Ann Russell were transferred between the reception in Deloitte and the dinner at Shanahans in Mercedes S Class cars, provided by Town & Country Chauffeur Services, Blackrock.

And because of the weather conditions, the ladies who travelled from outside Dublin were put up in the Westbury Hotel.

Colin told the Herald: "I think this will be a completely enriching experience for me.

"I'm really grateful that I can be here, have a laugh and hopefully we can have a lovely dinner and that in itself is reason enough for me to come home."

https://www.debraireland.org/events/event-item/?guid=6fce3239-ee00-4b63-b4f8-4c1333d1b828

http://www.herald.ie/