Cork Park Runners to make marathon effort for Enable Ireland

A group of parkrunners are joining a young Midleton man with cerebral palsy for the Cork City Marathon on June 1 to raise funds for Enable Ireland’s vital disability services.

The funds they raise for Enable Ireland will go towards a new €1.2m development fund to convert a bungalow in Midleton into a state-of-the-art hub.

Robert Murray Good (26) was born with cerebral palsy and hydrocephalus. He and his mother, Ruth, have availed of vital disability services from Enable Ireland in Cork since he was a baby.

Since Ms Murray Good shared with her local Parkrun community the positive impact the services have had on their lives, more than 20 people have signed up to run the marathon to raise funds for Enable Ireland.

Wheelchair buggy

Robert and Ruth will take part in the Cork City 10km, using a wheelchair buggy, being assisted by fellow parkrunner and friend Felicity Dawson.

Mr Murray Good attends the Enable Ireland Adult Service HUB in Ballintemple three days a week. At the hub, he avails of many services tailored to his individual needs. This includes participating in activities like baking, music workshops and art classes. He also does physical exercises such as aerobics and reflexology.

Gillian Darrer, Enable Ireland director of services in Cork, said: “We are hugely grateful to Ruth, Felicity and all of the parkrunners who have come together to show support for Robert by participating in the Cork City Marathon to raise funds for our vital disability services.

Long term savings

“Many people who attend Enable Ireland services in Cork live close to Midleton. As such, opening the new hub in this area will make it easier for adults like Robert to access our services. It will also provide long-term savings on transport costs and reduce our environmental impact.”

Robert and Ruth’s team have set up a fundraising page for donations in support of Enable Ireland at www.justgiving.com/page/siobhan-holland-1.

Enable Ireland provide crucial therapy, education, respite and support services to 13,000 children and adults with disabilities in 14 counties across Ireland. To learn more about Robert and Ruth’s experiences with Enable Ireland visit: https://enableireland.ie/resources/personal-stories/robert-murray-good-taking-part-cork-city-marathon-10km.