Enable Ireland  seeks support for Echo Women's Mini Marathon race teams

Enable Ireland has called on the people of Cork to donate to their teams participating in this weekend’s annual Echo Women’s Mini Marathon.

The marathon, now in its 44th year, will take place from 1pm on Sunday, and will see two family teams compete on behalf of Enable Ireland, raising vital funds for a new adult service hub in Midleton.

Gillian Darrer, director of services at Enable Ireland, said that this development will be “a tremendous support” to adults living in the wider Midleton area.

“Based in the heart of the Midleton community, the new centre will provide wonderful opportunities to be fully included in the life of the community,” said Ms Darrer.

“In addition, the hub will provide opportunities for service owners to work towards their personal goals, undertake activities such as independent living skills, lifelong learning in literacy, numeracy, and sports and recreation, as well as undertaking essential therapies with our clinical team.”

Proud

Emma Macfarlane, whose brother Jack attends Enable Ireland services, said she is proud to fundraise for Enable Ireland at this weekend’s event as it is “an organisation very close to my heart”.

“My brother has benefitted greatly from their incredible support and services for the past 23 years, and I’m so grateful for all they do,” said Ms McFarlane.

“The funds raised will go towards the new hub in Midleton, which he will attend along with other service owners, ensuring adults with disabilities can continue to access the supports and care they deserve.”

Memory

Mags Phelan and her daughters, Lyndsey and Kelly, will also take part in the competition in memory of her son Keith, who previously attended Enable Ireland services, but sadly passed away earlier this year.

“Keith was the heart and soul of our family, happy, cheeky, full of humour and love,” said Ms Phelan.

“Enable Ireland was like a second home to Keith. The new Midleton Hub would have been his place to spend his days, surrounded by friends and support,” she added.

“While Keith never got the chance to use it, this run is not just for Keith, but for every family who will walk through those doors in the future.”

To support the McFarlane fundraiser, visit: https://tinyurl.com/mw6rw9xxtarget="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> and to support the Phelan fundraiser, visit: https://tinyurl.com/2hw24a3n.