Feelgood factor of The Echo Women's Mini Marathon lingers beyond race day

Thu, 19 Sep, 2024 - 07:00

On a rare fine day recently, visiting Abode at Kilbrack Grove in Skehard Road, residents and staff are getting ready for the road - all set to take part in The Echo Women’s Mini Marathon, on Sunday September 22.

“Last year, a good number of our clients and staff took part in the mini marathon,” says CEO Lorna Hughes, who is also game ball again this year to step out.

When the lively group had their photograph taken for The Echo, they were delighted.

“The residents had their photograph on The Echo after the event,” says Lorna.

The photograph has pride of place in the bright hallway leading out to the beautiful garden.

“They were really chuffed, and you can see we have the photograph framed and hanging up on the wall,” says Lorna.

“The residents love looking at the photograph and remembering what a good day out they had last year taking part in the mini marathon.

The feelgood factor lasted throughout the year.

Does Lorna’s husband Martin feel good taking part in the mini-marathon?

Lorna laughs.

“He’s coming along to join in the fun,” she says.

With some persuasion?

“With a little light persuasion from me,” says Lorna, laughing.

It worked.

“I think he has already been through my wardrobe looking for costumes to dress up in on the day!”

Lorna Hughes and Lydia Flanagan of ABODE.

They’re all in it together.

“My son Jamie O’Driscoll is joining in the fun too,” says Lorna.

“He’s been recruited and is entering into the spirit of the mini marathon.”

All the gang are ready to go.

“This year, two students taking part in Abode’s Independent Living Programme are taking part in the mini marathon,” says Lorna. “As well as two members of the Board of Directors.”

It’s a case of all aboard and ready to go then.

“Husbands, boyfriends, children; they are all coming on board to support Abode,” says Lorna.

Abode, Doorway to Life CLG, began in 1986, providing services, supports and facilities for adults between the ages of 16-65 with physical, and/or sensory disability. Its mission is to enable people to live the lives of their choosing to the fullest potential.

“Abode’s vision is that people with a physical and/or sensory disability will have resources and supports which promote choice, to achieve their chosen goals, and enable active participation in communities,” says Lorna.

The Abode team, putting their best feet forward, are building on their success of previous years.

“Ourselves and the service users have the best fun ever doing the mini marathon,” says Lorna.

Mary Nolan, service user, is an enthusiastic participant in the mini marathon.

“This is my third time doing the mini marathon,” she says. “This is not my last time!

I love doing it. I love the crowd I love the atmosphere. It is lovely that we are all together and we really enjoy going for a bite to eat afterwards in the city at a nice restaurant.

Leah O’Gorman, who also avails of the day services and supports offered to her by Abode, is an experienced mini-marathon participant.

“This is my second time taking part,” says Leah.

“I love the buzz, and I love being part of a team. Here at Abode, I have made great friends and many of them are doing the mini marathon too, which is great.”

Team Abode, all working together to reach their full potential and do great things, are raring to go on September 22.

“Abode is a cause close to my heart,” says staff member Lydia Flanagan.

Her heart is in her job.

“It’s not just because I work in Abode,” says Lydia. “But also because I have had the opportunity to meet so many inspirational individuals during my time here.

Lorna Hughes and Abode resident Joe Butler.

“I have had the opportunity to see first-hand what an impact the fundraising from this event has on our service, and have been fortunate enough to take part in the mini marathon with Abode each year I’ve been working here.”

Like The Echo Women’s Mini Marathon, Abode is all-inclusive.

I have been able to get my mother, Bernie Ryan, involved in both last year and this year’s mini marathon.

Completing with Team Abode for the mini marathon is a work in progress.

“I’m still working on my boyfriend, Mark O’Leary, to take part too!”

Lydia is confident that Mark will respond to the call-out.

“Hopefully, this will be the call-out he needs to motivate him!”

There is a lot of motivation at Abode.

“After the mini marathon, we’ll come back here later on for tea and cake,” says Lorna.

She has other plans.

“Last year, the funds raised from the mini marathon helped modernise our dining room,” says Lorna.

“The residents like sitting around a round table to chat and catch-up.

“This year we are planning a holiday to take the service users away somewhere nice for a break.