Carlow mother and daughter (8) to run 5km in 32 counties for charity

Eva Osborne

A mother and her eight-year-old daughter are taking on a 5km ParkRun challenge in each of Ireland's 32 counties over the next 32 weeks to raise money for two charities.

Kate Gaynor and her daughter Sarah kicked off the challenge in Dublin on June 28th, and aim to finish back in Carlow on January 31st, 2026.

They have the chance to become the first-ever duo, and Sarah has the opportunity to become the first-ever child, to complete this feat.

Their fundraising supports two causes close to their family.

The first is Friends of the Coombe, in recognition of the expert care Kate and her premature twins received there.

She said the care her twins received, after being born at 29 weeks, ultimately saved their lives as well as her own.

The second is the Cerebral Palsy Football Development Academy, where Sarah’s brother Harry plays. It is the only dedicated Cerebral Palsy football club in Ireland.

The campaign has already raised over €1,700 toward a €2,500 target, with generous support from local donors including Carlow PaintHub.

Kate has pledged to split the funds evenly between both charities and document the donation process for full transparency.

Donations to the GoFundMe can be made here.