Running for what matters

Four Cork runners have teamed up for this year’s Cork City Marathon to raise money for adults and children with disabilities.

This Sunday, Fiachra Lynn, Mark Smyth, Kevin O'Mahony and Ronan Rogers will each take on the 42km challenge in support of disability charity Enable Ireland.

Fiachra, who works in BioMarin with Kevin, said he chose Enable Ireland for the life changing support the charity has provided for his nephew who has Cerebral Palsy.

He said: “My nephew Patrick was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and mild learning difficulties due to an injury sustained at birth. Enable Ireland has become such a big part of his life as well as my sister’s. My sister always spoke very highly of the care and support Enable Ireland provided to her and Patrick over the years and I would like to take the opportunity to give a little back to this inspiring organisation. Now, Patrick has developed into such an amazing lad.”

Fiachra’s sister Clodagh added: “As a young mum at the time, hearing Patrick’s diagnoses I thought my world was collapsing. Thoughts running through my mind of so much uncertainty and fear, followed by anger and frustration at the world. In 2003 we were referred to Enable Ireland Early Learning Services. There we were both met with the most amazing people who will always be in our thoughts and hearts.”

Enable Ireland has been providing services to children and adults with disabilities and their families since 1948 and provides a range of health and social services across Ireland.

To support Fiachra, visit idonate.ie and search for ‘Running for Enable Ireland’.