UCD Raise Funds For ‘Get Luke To St. Louis’ Campaign

Luke Herangi is the son of Pete Herangi, the UCD Under-20s’ forwards coach, and nephew of the club’s J1 coach Ian Wyse.

Luke Herangi is four-years-old and has cerebral palsy and whilst Luke’s mobility is affected by his disability, he doesn’t let it hold him back! As he grows, the spasticity (or tightness) in his muscles will have an increased effect on his mobility and consequently he is likely to need the use of a wheelchair.

However, Luke has been assessed and accepted for surgery next April in St. Louis Children’s Hospital, Missouri which will remove the spasticity in his muscles and significantly improve his condition towards normality.

The ‘Get Luke to St. Louis’ campaign was established in September to raise €;50,000 for the operation and the post-operative physiotherapy costs.

The officials, players and supporters of UCD Rugby Club have joined the campaign since its inception and have worked closely with Luke’s mum Laura and dad Pete to maximise the club’s fundraising potential.

Last Friday night Luke was UCD’s mascot for their Ulster Bank League Division 1A match against Terenure College at Belfield. All the proceeds from the night (€;6,972) were donated to the appeal with supporters from both clubs contributing generously. Many other events are planned for the coming months.

If you wish to make an online donation, please do so at www.idonate.ie/getluketostlouis or visit the campaign’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/getluketostlouis.

For further information on Luke’s story and the campaign’s fundraising plans, click here.