Cork mum to take park in The Echo Women's Mini Marathon in aid of ‘Ronald McDonald House’ after 'traumatic experience'

A Cork mother participating in The Echo Women’s Mini Marathon is fundraising for the Ronald McDonald House Charity (RMHC), as the organisation is “close to home”.

Michelle Spillane availed of the services offered by RMHC last November, following a medical incident with her 14-month-old daughter, Hailey.

Hailey, who is now two, had suffered from an acute complex prolonged febrile seizure, as a result of a common virus. She had to be transferred from Cork University Hospital to Crumlin Paediatric ICU via the ICU ambulance.

At the time, a place at RMHC came available for Ms Spillane and her family to stay while their daughter was in hospital. Ms Spillane described it as the driving force that kept them going through the “traumatic experience”.

Speaking to The Echo, Ms Spillane said that her daughter’s seizure “put life into perspective” and encouraged her to make a lifestyle change through regular exercise.

Ms Spillane has been frequently completing 5km walks, which have prepared her for the upcoming mini marathon, in Cork City this weekend.

“This will be my first [mini] marathon, I’m walking a lot more now, and this will be my next goal to achieve,” she said.

“I’m excited to be doing this for Ronald McDonald House, [and] there are a few others doing it for them too.

“I’ll never forget walking into the reception of Ronald McDonald House, they were just so nice and so comforting. The safe space they have up there is incredible for families and for siblings too,” Ms Spillane said.

“Everything is voluntary, they rely solely on donations, they don’t get grants, and I just think it’s such a beneficial resource for families going through tough times. The more I can raise for them the better.”

Ms Spillane has set up an online donations page for RMHC, and all funds will go towards the provision of care for other families in a similar situation to hers.

With an original target of €200, Ms Spillane has already exceeded her goal, but has asked that people continue to donate until the closing date of October 22. “It was very difficult being up there, and being away from our little girl, but they were unbelievable,” she said.

“It was a place of tranquility away from the madness of the hospital, so I just want to give back.”

Ms Spillane further highlighted how her and her extended family will be donating to the organisation every year in lieu of Christmas gifts, as the services offered to them left their family “blown away”.

To make a donation to Ms Spillane’s iDonate page, or to share it on social media, search: ‘Echo Women’s Mini Marathon 2024 For Ronald McDonald House’.