Fundraising family overjoyed when businessman donates €5k at mini marathon

Wed, 24 Sep, 2025 - 07:40

A Cork family who took part in The Echo Women’s Mini Marathon on Sunday to raise funds for the Crann Centre in Ovens said they were overjoyed by a large donation from a Cork businessman who approached them at the marathon.

As the Fitton family were getting ready for the event, they were approached by two people.

One of them, a representative of Right Price Tiles, gave them a donation of €5,000.

Marian Fitton explained: “A couple who were having breakfast in one of the restaurants on Sunday morning approached us.

“They said that while they hadn’t heard of the Crann Centre, they would like to make a donation, and they gave us €5,000.”

Sixteen-year-old Leah Fitton is a wheelchair user and needs technology to communicate.

She has a rare neurological condition, having been diagnosed at 10 years of age, and is the only person in the country with the condition.

“My daughter Leah is the driving force for us,” said Marian.

“The applause that she got when she went over the line was unbelievable.”

The Crann Centre supports children and adults living with congenital, progressive, or acquired neurophysical disabilities, and their family members, across Cork and Munster. It has been a significant help to the Fitton family.

“It is a place where people forge friendships,” added Marian, who said the centre had become a big part of their family. Leah had wonderful support on the day, and there were about 40 Crann Centre participants present.

Leah’s sister Clodagh did her own 6km mini marathon in Melbourne in Australia. Leah completed and ‘triked’ the last 500m to the finish line, a remarkable achievement, given she is still recovering from spinal fusion surgery.

Her proud mother said: “Leah got her medal. She was just so proud heading into school on Monday and everybody saw the award she got for doing all that.”