A Keady family have launched a fundraising appeal to help install a wet room for their dad who has a rare type of pulmonary fibrosis.
Raymond Callaghan – best known as ‘Boots’ – was diagnosed with NSIP in 2019 after 43 years of breathing in cement dust as a bricklayer.
When Raymond received his diagnosis, he was given two to three years, however, a clinical trial drug offered by his consultant means he is still here today.
Sadly, over the past year, his condition has been getting worse and he uses oxygen 24/7, no longer able to go out.
Last week, Raymond was rushed to hospital with pneumonia and scans found his pulmonary fibrosis had gotten significantly worse.
The fibrosis is covering most of Raymond’s lungs, meaning he is one of the later stages of his illness.
Raymond has also been sleeping on the sofa as he continues to struggle with stairs. Because of this, the family have decided that Raymond needs his own space in the house.
The GoFundMe page, which has already raised over £10,000, was set up by his daughter Maggie Callaghan, who said that Raymond was the model parent growing up, who never missed the chance to spend time with his six children.
She said: “He left our house at 5am and he would return about 7pm and he did this commute five days a week for years and years so that he was home to see all of us in an evening.
“Even after working hard all day and driving a 150 mile round trip he never missed our matches or school plays and was always home to carry on with us or read us a story and say goodnight.”
Alison, who has been married to Raymond for 25 years, described her husband as one of the “big characters” around Keady.
She explained: “He has been actively involved in committees and fundraisers for the local schools, clubs and any family in need.
“Over the years, he was removed from his behind-the-scenes role, though, and put front and centre. He’s been Pudsey Bear, Brian Boru, St Patrick and, until Covid, he was Santa’s helper every year, filling in for Santa when he couldn’t make it to Keady himself.”
A keen sports fan, Raymond never missed a football, camogie or hurling match until he got sick and even then he sat in the car at the field with the oxygen tank to watch. He’s also a big supporter of Armagh Rugby and Tottenham Hotspur.
Alison continued: “He’s the best dad to our six kids, who are his whole world. They, and their huge group of friends, think the world of Boots. As a person, a friend, a husband and a dad, Boots really is one in a million as anyone in Keady would testify.”
She added that the fundraiser has been a great help to Raymond, saying, “It’s given him a real boost to see just how many people think so highly of him”.
Raymond already has a multi-disciplinary team who come to the house for his check-ups and it’s hoped the money can be used to put a hospital bed into the living room and adapt it as Raymond’s own space.
It will also be used to make the room into a wet room to give Raymond the space to shower and dress easily. It would also fit in a wheelchair and carers when needed.
Maggie continued: “If you ask anyone around Keady my daddy is always the first to volunteer helping anyone who asked him. He never made a fuss about it or looks for credit or thanks.
“He just always wants to help if he’s able to, so now it’s his turn to accept some help to make him more comfortable.”
You can donate to the fundraiser by visiting the GoFundMe link here.
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