Cope Foundation are Mini Marathon ready: We can’t wait for race day

It’s a case of Ready Steady Go! for Team Cope taking part in The Echo Women’s Mini Marathon on Sunday, September 22..

It is a day when people supported by Cope Foundation, their families and staff, all get involved together in the event, to race or walk, to support the foundation, and to enjoy a great day out as well.

Donna Roche, Chairperson of Cope Foundation Board of Directors, is leading the charge.

“It is a fantastic day out and there is always a great buzz around the city,” she said. “I’ll be taking on the race with my friends; it’s a day we all really enjoy getting involved in.”

Donna is a golfer, so she’s well used to walking distances.

“I’ll be definitely walking, not running!” says Donna, laughing.

“I am really looking forward to the event. I’ve never done it before.”

Donna is spreading the word about the popular, enjoyable event, now in its 43rd year.

The more the merrier.

“I’ve invited some of the board members along to join Team Cope.”

Funds raised by clients, their family members, and staff will go towards special projects and will promote additional services to those already on offer to people.

“Cope is very dependent on generous funds raised for the foundation,” says Donna. “And they are much appreciated. Demand for our services grow year on year.

This year, 200 school leavers will avail of our support services.

Cope Foundations supports over 2,800 children and adults of every ability across Cork city and county to ‘Live Life Your Way’.

It works to enhance the lives of people with intellectual disability and/or autism, working in partnership with them, their families and local communities to provide a broad range of person-centred services and support.

“The mini marathon is an accessible race for all to enjoy,” says Donna.

“As a Cork woman, and as newly elected chairperson of the board, I am immensely proud to be taking part and highlighting the importance of this event. Not only as a vital fundraiser, but as a great team building experience.

“I know there will be a strong Team Cope presence on the day.”

Staff member Anita Kelleher, who is a speech and language therapist at Cope Foundation, will be present on the day.

“It’s such an empowering event for everyone,” says Anita.

It’s great to see women and men get involved. It makes me proud to be part of Team Cope.

Anita is an old hand at completing long distances.

“Four of us did the Youghal 10km recently. We really enjoyed it.”

The adult services in Cope will benefit from The Echo Women’s Mini Marathon.

“Our care team support 18 adults with dementia,” says Anita.

“Funds raised from the mini marathon will further benefit our vital services that we can offer people.”

Anita says the social side of preparing for the mini marathon is enjoyable too.

“Working with the staff and clients at Cope is hugely satisfying,” says Anita. “Equally, training for the mini marathon offers a lovely social side, another side to work, which is really nice.”

Anita is looking forward to a nice day out with her friends and colleagues.

“We’ll go for a bite to eat afterwards,” adds Anita, who is optimistic on the weather front. “Let’s hope it stays dry!”

Occupational therapist with Cope, Joelle O’Connell is hoping for the same thing.

“If September 22 is a dry day, it will be a bonus,” says Joelle.

“Anita and I train together. And we are really looking forward to taking part in The Echo Women’s Mini Marathon this year. 

It is a great experience.

Everyone gets into the ‘all in it together’ spirit of the mini marathon.

“We meet our clients who are taking part on the day,” says Joelle. “A number of our clients are taking part in the mini marathon. They love the day out and soaking up the atmosphere.

“Some clients who have mobility issues, or are in wheelchairs, will be aided by staff members. The mini marathon is all-inclusive, and the event always brings a great atmosphere to Cork.”

Team Cope are well supported.

“We are being encouraged by all,“ says Joelle. “It’ s really great.”

It is great that the vital funds raised will go towards essential equipment for service users.

“Yes, the funds raised will mainly go towards mobility equipment,” says Joelle.

Wheelchairs, especially electric-powered wheelchairs, are very expensive, between €8,000 and €10,000.

“For our clients, the wheelchair is their ‘car’. Funds raised from the mini marathon can help relieve financial pressure from parents and family members who require wheelchairs.

We receive some funds from the HSE, but every little helps to maintain and improve our services.

Joelle, part of Team Cope, will do her own team building after the mini marathon.

“We’ll go for a bite to eat, have a chat and debrief!” says Joelle.

The occupational therapist will do something else after running 10km.

“I’ll address dealing with the aches and pains!” she adds.