Fundraiser promotes healthy body and mind
A FITNESS fundraiser that promoted ‘a healthy body, healthy mind’ was recently held in the Tallaght Sports Complex in aid of listening charity, TeenLine Ireland.
The event was organised by Paddy McAuley, a fitness instructor from Tallaght, who wanted to introduce people to different ways of keeping fit while promoting the work of charity TeenLine.
Based in the Dominic’s Shopping Centre in Tallaght, TeenLine is a free-phone, free-text, confidential listening service for young people who need to talk – with a team of volunteers manning the service from 8pm to 11pm, 365 days a year.
The service was established by Tallaght mother Maureen Bolger following the loss of her son Darren to suicide in 2003, with Maureen seeing a need for a confidential service to help teenagers and young adults who may feel isolated, troubled or lonely.
Speaking with The Echo, fitness instructor Paddy said: “Darren was a year ahead of me in school so, when his mam [Maureen] set up TeenLine I was always aware of the service and what it does.
“I wanted to help raise awareness of TeenLine. I think a lot of kids and teenagers don’t know where to turn.”
Paddy organised a three activity event which, focusing on the link between physical and mental fitness, introduced people to different ways of keeping active.
First up was a game called Funball, which is a breakdown of Olympic handball, and then circuit training was held.
Tallaght man Brian Kelly of Wudang Ireland, who is recently back from China after studying Tai chi and King Fung, also gave an introductory class, which Paddy said showed people that they don’t have to be running 5k to have a healthy body and a healthy mind.
Geraldine Perry, of TeenLine Ireland, told The Echo: “we had a great time [at the fitness fundraiser]… and a big thank you from TeenLine to Paddy for all his efforts in organising the event in aid of our charity. “
The charity also held a bucket collection on December 16 in The Square with a choir from St Kevin’s Girls Primary School and St Marks Youth Choir.
“We here at TeenLine would also like to say a big thank you to both choirs for their wonderful singing, there was a great atmosphere on the day and the charity raised much needed funds.”
Any young person who would like to speak with someone is encouraged to call the TeenLine Freephone number 1800 833 634 between 8pm and 11pm, Monday to Sunday, or text Teen to 50015.
For further information call the TeenLine office on 4622122 or visit www.teenline.ie
