'We’ll do The Echo Women's Mini Marathon for our warrior Leah'

For the Fitton family, The Echo Women’s Mini Marathon this Sunday will be a family affair.

“My daughter, Leah, the youngest of my three, is a service user at the Crann Centre in Ballincollig,” says Marian Fitton.

The centre offers life-long support to people of all ages living with congenital, progressive, or acquired neuro-physical disabilities, and their partners, parents, and siblings across Cork and Munster.

“The whole family, including my brother’s wife and kids, and my son Daire’s partner, are taking part in the mini marathon for the Crann Centre, who have become like a second family to us,” says Marian.

The Fittons are spreading the joy and excitement far and wide that the mini marathon brings to Cork every year.

“Clodagh, my other daughter, is in Melbourne,” says Marian. “She’ll be taking part too - not at the same time as us though! The whole family is making one giant effort for Crann.”

Leah, 16, is a wheelchair user and needs technology to communicate. She has a rare neurological disorder. The Cork teen is geared up for the big day.

“She is really looking forward to the fun day out,” Marian says. “It may take a village to raise a child, when we joined Crann they became a village of huge importance to us.

“Crann is a local service that offers loads of services, including providing an extra social outlet,” says Marian.

“We have made great friends through Crann. Leah calls it one of her happy places.”

Leah also made great friends at her primary school and at Le Chéile secondary school in Ballincollig.

“Leah is very well known in our area,” says Marian. “Everyone knows her. She is a real people person.”

The Cork teen cheers people up.

“Leah always has a smile on her face, and she is a real warrior,” says Marian.

What does Leah like most about the Crann Centre?

“She really likes going there because it is so social and it’s fun,” says Marian, “And she has made great friends there, like my husband, Stacey, and I have. Stacey is out golfing with one of the other dads he met at the Crann Centre!”

It’s all about give and take.

“Now we want to give back to Crann so that other families get to join Crann as well and benefit from their brilliant services.”

Crann creates a special atmosphere for all its friends.

“It can be quiet, it can be calm,” says Marian. “The people there are patient, creating a relaxed space, a lovely, relaxed safe place for people and their families who have additional needs, no matter what. There are many challenges, but nobody bats an eyelid. We are all in the same boat.

“We are all part of one community,” adds Marian.

That community provides wonderful things.

“There are drama groups, Easter and summer camps, and a fantastic youth club. Leah loves taking part in all of them.

“Recently, the Crann youth club was invited to Kilkenny for three days. They had a great time! The youth club was also invited to Lismore Opera Festival, and they got to go behind the scenes to meet the cast and learn the storyline.”

The youth club members got to enjoy the great outdoors.

“They sat on the lawn and had a lovely afternoon together,” says Marian. “Crann is an extension of our community.”

The Fitton campaign to give back to Crann is an all-out effort.

“We’re all getting together for a one-off endeavour doing the mini marathon for the Crann Centre,” says Marian.

Everyone is in on the special occasion.

“People in the locality know us and are showing great support.”

They always did.

“Leah had extremely advanced scoliosis,” Marian explains. “Her operation was delayed for two years. Now she is recovering well after the operation. Everyone realises what a true warrior Leah is.”

There was a time when Leah was despondent when she was in pain.

“I’d say to her, will we go to Penneys for a look?” says Marian. “Leah would say, ‘no thanks’ which was unusual for her. She didn’t want to do much or hang out with her friends. She withdrew a bit into herself.”

Leah, the mighty warrior, soon bounced back after her operation. She had surgery from her neck to the end of her spine.

“She went pony trekking in Kerry!” says Marian.

She got her mojo back.

“She loves being with people,” says Marian. “And she is always in good form. The supports we got when Leah was in Crumlin in ICU for a long time, were amazing.”

Marian says the lady who started up Crann, Kate Jarvey, has much to be proud of.

“Crann celebrated 10 years last year,” says Marian. “It was a wonderful occasion. There is so much credit due to Kate, who started it all.”

Crann’s story began in 2013 when Kate witnessed a high number of children with Spina Bifida who she felt were poorly served in her local area of Cork. This compelled her to attend hospital appointments and spend time with families to observe and listen to their experiences and challenges.

Kate, believed the unavailability of key services and a lack of continuity was leading to social isolation, lack of normality as a family, loss of hope, and limited access to educational and career opportunities - so she established the Crann Centre.

“If I spoke to Kate, I would ask her does she realise what she has done?” says Marian. “The Crann Centre has made such a difference to our family. It is so meaningful.”

Leah, a fan of Riverdance, is planning to take up Irish dancing.

“She loves Irish dancing,” says Marian. “The Crann Centre said yes, we can sort that out. Is there anything else you’d like?”

From Cork to Melbourne, the Fittons are sorting out fantastic support for the Crann Centre that has made such a difference to Leah’s life, and to the lives of so many others.

“We’re all taking part in the mini marathon so that, down the road, other families can avail of Crann’s centre wonderful services,” says Marian.

“The Crann Centre has made such a difference to our lives.”

Crann Centre. Call 021-4289267 See: The Fitton Family for Crann eventmaster.ie