Former Ireland rugby international Johnny Sexton commended MACE Ireland’s efforts as ‘remarkable’ as it announced an extension of its collaboration with epidermolysis bullosa (EB) charity Debra for another two years.
The legendary fly-half, who is an ambassador for both, said: “I have seen the great work from both Debra’s and MACE’s teams, and their dedication to improving the lives of people with ‘Butterfly Skin’ is remarkable. I’m proud to be linked to them.”
MACE retailers across Ireland have sold own-branded products in aid of Debra, organised coffee mornings, ice cream days, taken part in ‘Emma’s Run to 40’ and even skydives.
Sexton joined Dubliner Claudia Scanlon, who lives with EB, to celebrate the extension of the MACE-Debra partnership.
The retail brand said it would continue to help raise funds for a range of vital services for those who live with EB, which is caused by an absence of proteins between the skin layers. It can cause skin to tear and blister at the slightest touch and requires painful bandaging to prevent infection.
Debra’s services include practical and emotional support for children and adults with EB, financial grants for counselling, hospitalisation and respite, home visits, peer support events and funding for EB research.
“MACE has proudly partnered with Debra since 2024, and I am absolutely delighted that we will continue this meaningful collaboration through to 2027″, said Caitriona Cousins, Head of Shopper Insights and Marketing Manager at MACE. “Alongside our MACE retailers and their teams, we look forward to working with the wonderful Debra team by raising even greater funds and awareness to support people living with EB.”
Jimmy Fearon, Debra CEO, said the charity is ‘incredibly grateful’ to MACE for extending its partnership with Debra. “What makes this relationship so special is how it lives in communities right across Ireland — in local stores, among neighbours, and through everyday acts of generosity,” he said.
“MACE has helped give people living with EB a platform, making their voices heard in places they might not otherwise reach.
“The funds raised through this partnership are truly transformative, enabling us to provide vital support to families today while continuing our push for better treatments and, ultimately, cures.”
