Broadcaster, Barretstown Ambassador and outdoor pursuits enthusiast Kathryn Thomas has issued a rallying call to the nation to join the hike for Barretstown and raise much needed funds to support the life-changing therapeutic programmes delivered by the children’s charity.
Thomas is encouraging as many people as possible to take part in the 9th annual Barretstown Dublin Mountains Challenge, on Sunday, May 28th.
The RTÉ TV and radio broadcaster, renowned for her love of the outdoors and the importance of exercise to enhance physical and emotional well-being has been busy sharing regular training insights and tips across her ever-popular social channels, for the upcoming event.
All funds raised from the challenge will support the delivery of Barretstown therapeutic programmes which are delivered on site in Ballymore Eustace, Kildare and through outreach programmes, supported by over 2,000 volunteers. To date, over 85,000 children have availed of therapeutic programmes which have helped them rebuild their self-confidence.
Barretstown Ambassador Kathryn Thomas said:
“The Dublin Mountains Challenge is a wonderful opportunity to experience the amazing beauty of the south Dublin range but most importantly support an extremely worthy charity, which has an incredible impact on the lives of children and their families affected by serious illness."
“On average 18,000 children experience serious illness per year in Ireland and it is critical that we have organisations such as Barretstown available to support children on their journey through a serious illness. Fundraising events such as the Dublin Mountains Challenge are mission critical to this, with all funds raised going directly to the delivery of their therapeutic programmes."
“Unfortunately, we are all aware, either directly or indirectly, of a child and family impacted by serious illness, and with that in mind, Sunday, May 28th is a chance to come together for a greater good, dust off our walking boots and go the distance to help press play for children living with serious illness.”
This year’s event on Sunday 28th, kindly supported by Lucozade Sport, is returning to its original format of two lengths to suit all fitness levels. Starting in Sean Walsh Park, Tallaght, participants can follow the scenic Dublin Mountains Way, a 24km trail to Ticknock Park or a 42km to Shankill, with bus transfer back to Tallaght.
For those who are unable to take part in the Dublin Mountains route, they are encouraged to follow an equivalent distance in a location suitable to them.
For more information on how to take part go to www.barretstown.org/dmc
Slán go fóill.