The Echo Women's Mini Marathon 'always brings our team together... we love it'

When I visited Kilbrack Grove on Skehard Road in recent weeks, the weather was glorious and the clients of Abode were relaxing in the autumn sunshine.

The conversation was about that time of year again - The Echo Women’s Mini Marathon taking place this Sunday.

“This is my third time doing the mini marathon,” said service user, Mary Nolan. “I love doing it.”

What does Mary enjoy most about participating in the popular event, now in its 44th year?

“I love the fun,” she says. “I’ll be taking part in my wheelchair so I have a good view going along the route. I am getting fit with the group for the big day!”

Mary loves the reward at the end of the mini marathon.

“The entertainment in Kennedy Park and enjoying the refreshments with the others is always great.”

“I had a great time last year,” says Mary. “I wasn’t a bit tired afterwards.”

How did she feel?

“I was exhilarated after all the excitement!”

Mary is good to go for September 21.

“I have all my gear ready to take part in the mini marathon again this year,” she says.

“I enjoyed the day so much last year, I’m hoping to repeat the same lovely experience as last year.”

Mary is always good to go.

“This is my third time doing the mini marathon, but it won’t be my last time!”

CEO of Abode, Lorna Hughes upped the ante this year and she has roped in her husband Martin and their daughter Sarah to take part in the fun day with her.

“They are going to do it, even though I’m not sure they are more than willing!” says Lorna, laughing.

“It took a bit of persuasion!”

It worked!

They are all in it together.

“For the last couple of years, a good number of our clients and staff took part in the mini marathon,” says Lorna. “Husbands, boyfriends, children, they are all coming together to support Abode.”

The enthusiastic team are ready for the road.

“Our ethos here is teamwork,” says Lorna. “The mini marathon brings us all together which is wonderful.

“We all have a great time taking part in the mini marathon and the participants loved having their photograph taken by a photographer from The Echo - we have the photos displayed in the hall.”

These photograph have pride of place in the bright hallway leading out to the beautiful garden.

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

Liadh O’Gorman, from near Carrigaline, is pushing the boat out again this year.

“I’m involved in the Independent Living Service in Abode and the Respite Service,” says Liadh.

“When I took part in the mini marathon for the first time, I didn’t really know what to expect.”

Liadh was pleasantly surprised.

“I am so excited to be part of the mini marathon again,” she says. “I’m looking forward to meeting people along the road and at the end of the route.”

Emer Browne, who is a wheelchair user, is looking forward to a fantastic day out for the third time this Sunday.

“I like a good day out,” she says. “And the mini marathon day is always a really fun day.

“There is always a great buzz, and I’ll be whizzing around in my electric-powered chair!”

Apart from the fun, Emer is delighted to be able to help other people avail of Abode’s fantastic services.

“It’s nice to be able to do something to help people,” she says. “Abode is a great place to be.

“Everyone is very friendly, and we all know each other well. I enjoy the social side of Abode.”

Emer enjoys lots of things.

“The tea and cakes we can enjoy after the mini marathon are always welcome. The cakes are delicious!”

She is getting mini marathon ready.

“I’m doing a bit of stretching every day and a bit of walking too,” says Emer. “It’s good to be more flexible.”

Abode began in 1986, providing services and supports for adults between the ages of 16 to 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.

Participation in the mini marathon is always a fun thing to do for everyone.

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

Always game to get involved in enriching the lives of her clients, she is game for the mini marathon.

“I’m neither a walker nor a runner,” admits Lorna.

She’s a doer.

“The mini marathon provides an opportunity for team building and team bonding,” says Lorna.

“My colleagues and I will be able to aid people who are wheelchair users to complete the route.”

The feelgood factor of The Echo mini marathon holds wonderful memories for Abode’s service users and staff. It lingers long after the event is over.

Coming in from the sunshine, Lorna and I take note of The Echo photograph which displays the delight and marvellous achievement of the service users and staff after taking part in the mini marathon.

“The residents love looking at the photographs and remembering what a good day out they had at the mini marathon last year,” says Lorna.

“The feelgood factor lasts throughout the year!”

Abode, tucked away in its little niche in the community has a positive impact. The courtyard is a thing of beauty, as are the colourful wheelchair accessible benches where residents can enjoy the great outdoors together.

“It is so important to have attractive surroundings both inside and outside,” says Lorna.

“The courtyard is a lovely place for the residents to explore and soak in, with colourful flowers and colourful ornaments.”

Abode has many friends in the friendly community.

“Our friends, Janssen Pharmaceuticals in Little Island, got on board with us, and they did their magic,” says Lorna.

She does her magic every day, encouraging everyone at Abode to make their life choices to their full potential.

“At Abode, we offer long term accommodation designed for adults with physical and sensory disabilities along with various other support requirements,” says Lorna, showing me around the premises.

“Our accommodation creates an environment where individuals can live, learn and work together in dynamic and mutually beneficial relationships.”

Residents enjoy lots of things, like karaoke and bingo as well as company and comfort.

“Within our service, residents enjoy the comfort of their own private bedrooms while sharing common facilities within the centre.

“Additionally, on-site support care services are regularly provided by Abode including Day Services,” explains Lorna.

“Within Day Services, the Abode team will put the person first in everything we do and provide services and supports in line with new interim standards.

“Through person-centred planning, we deliver supports reflective of each person’s wishes, needs and aspirations.

“The values of person-centredness and independence underpin the aims and objectives of the independent living programme.”

It is time for tea.

“We’ll have a cuppa,” says Lorna.

I don’t need any persuasion!

• Abode Doorway to Life CLG See: www.doorwaytolife.com