Cork mum: Raising funds at mini marathon for our ‘second home’ Crann

Pamela Byrne is an old hand participating in The Echo Women’s Mini Marathon for people who mean a lot to her.

“My mum had cancer, and my nephew died by suicide,” explains Pamela, mother to Blake and Bevin.

Blake attends The Crann Centre in Ovens.

“Both my sister and my dad also had vital treatment for cancer,” says Pamela.

The Byrnes are a caring family.

“My husband Richard with two pals climbed Carrauntoohil to raise funds for The Crann Centre,” says Pamela.

“They raised €7,000. The centre were delighted.”

Pamela, flushed with success taking part in numerous mini-marathons and spurred on by her husband’s mammoth efforts for the Crann centre, is again stepping it out.

Chatting with other mums one day at The Crann Centre, we decided to take part in the mini marathon this year. The centre has given us so much; it is great to be able to give back.

Pamela is Mrs Motivator.

“For some of the mums it will be their first time taking part in the mini marathon,” she says.

“I know we’ll all enjoy the day out. I always enjoy it.”

Blake, 11, enjoys spending time at The Crann Centre.

“He was born with cerebral palsy,” says Pamela. “He has weakness in his left side, and his speech was delayed. A brain injury on his right side affects his brain on the left side.

“It was 18 months before we realised Blake had a form of cerebral palsy.”

Blake, who is thriving at his school, in 4th class at Brooklodge, Glanmire, wasn’t developing as he should when he was younger.

“He wasn’t meeting his milestones,” says Pamela.

“And he was diagnosed at Enable Ireland. It came as a bit of a shock to us.”

Pamela has a mother’s natural instinct.

“I knew something was wrong when one day I was trying to put his hand into his coat sleeve, and he couldn’t raise his hand,” says Pamela.

“He was also late sitting up and crawling.”

During lockdown, on a visit to a paediatrician, the Byrnes discovered the essential services The Crann Centre provides.

“The lady gave us a leaflet about The Crann Centre, and our lives changed,” says Pamela.

It was a wonderful moment for me. Meeting parents whose child had a disability was really great.

“I made great friends, and our friendships and support of each other have continued over the years.”

A chat and a catch-up with friends is always welcome.

“We meet at the parents’ cafe on the last Wednesday of every month,” says Pamela.

Bevin enjoys joining in the sibling workshops.

“He met new pals too,” Pamela says.

“The playground at the centre is all-inclusive. It’s great for the kids.”

Blake has come on leaps and bounds.

“He got support helping him out of using pull-ups,” says Pamela.

“His paediatric OT Sarah is amazing. She supports Blake at school and will help us through secondary school.

“Kate, the founder of The Crann Centre, decided the centre was for people, children and adults with all disabilities.”

The social life attached to the centre is amazing.

“We have end-of-summer barbeques and social get-togethers throughout the year,” says Pamela.

The entertainment for the kids is brilliant. This year we had a magician which delighted the kids.

“Santa was brilliant at the centre for the whole family.”

The Crann Centre is a second home for the Byrnes.

“The minute we came in the door the staff made us feel so welcome,” says Pamela.

“It has become our second home. Blake can’t wait to get there.”

Pamela is supporting their second home by taking part in this year’s mini marathon.

“I’ll walk some of it and I’ll run some of it, depending how the hamstrings hold up!” says Pamela.

“Richard will bring in the kids afterwards and we’ll all go for something to eat.”

Pamela and her family have been sustained by the support given to them by The Crann Centre.

“Because of The Crann Centre, I never needed counselling,” says Pamela.

Blake’s needs are met at every level.

“He is able to use his laptop,” says Pamela.

“He’s flying it!

“Blake surprises us every day.”

Fundraising Manager at The Crann Centre, Evelyn Power, says she is not surprised but she is happy that team are ready to rock up for The Echo Women’s Mini Marathon on September 22.

“We are excited to have a small but mighty crew of clients, staff, board members and other supporters taking part in the race for the first time,” says Evelyn.

“We are calling on many other interested individuals, groups, companies, or supporters to join us on our mini marathon team and come together as a community to show support, have heaps of fun together, and raise awareness for Crann.”

Evelyn says the mini marathon is a team effort for Crann.

“We’ll tackle the race as a team,” she says. “It is all-inclusive, and like our annual Walk n’Roll event, it is open to all. “

The Crann Centre is open to all.

“Crann understands that when someone in your family has a disability, the whole family needs support to thrive - we call this a ‘Gen2 approach’, supporting both the person with neuro-physical disability and their family throughout all stages of life.

“Crann’s unique model of care is focused on six services, Psychological Wellbeing, Health & Continence, Education and Career Pathways, Mobility, Independent Living, and Social Capital, that allows us to offer holistic and comprehensive wrap-around care programmes with personalised plans for each client and family members.

At our Centre at Ovens, Co. Cork, the whole family has access to a team of experts, services, and facilities tailored to their needs.

“Funds raised will directly help Crann support more individuals, and families living with neuro-physical disabilities in Munster.”

The small but mighty crew will step it out together.

“We’ll have a great time!”

HOW TO SIGN UP

Registration is open for The Echo Women’s Mini Marathon. Now in its 43rd year, the event is hosted by Cork Athletics. It raises approximately €1.5m for charities each year.

The 5km event will take place on September 22 at 1pm. The race starts on Kennedy Quay and finishes in Kennedy Park.

Keep an eye on the Mini Marathon Facebook page and website in the coming weeks for updates.

Participants can register at https://www.echolive.ie/minimarathon

Nourish are the training partner. Brenda Dennehy is the brand ambassador.