‘It would be great to have a show of support for hospital’

STAFF in Tallaght University Hospital’s administration team are calling on the community to back the hospital and its patients in this year’s virtual VHI Mini Marathon.

People are being encouraged to walk, jog or run 10k on September 19 for their local hospital.

Living in Clondalkin, Ger Gregg Duke has been working at Tallaght University Hospital (TUH) since it opened in June 1998, after transferring from the Meath Hospital to Tallaght.

“This year, I’m doing the mini marathon for the hospital,” Ger told The Echo.

“It would be great to get people rallying around the hospital and its patients.

“The funds raised go to the patients, you’d be amazed at the simple things that make such a difference to patients and can make their life easier in these difficult times.

“It would be great to have a show of support for the hospital in this year’s virtual mini marathon.”

Registration for this year’s virtual event is open, with walkers, joggers and runners taking on their own 10k route.

According to Kelly Crowley, Head of Development at Tallaght University Hospital Foundation (TUHF): “We would love the ladies in our community to join us and help the staff and patients at Tallaght University Hospital.

“The Women’s mini marathon is an important staple in the calendar to raise funds for our great hospital.

“We rely on this event and the funds it raises to support so many of the additional extras being delivered to our staff and patients.”

She added: “Last year, thanks to the community’s generous response to the pandemic appeal, we were in a position to make a dynamic fund available to our hospital that could support staff to act quickly and decisively in implementing projects that kept our staff healthy and safe while offering our patients exceptional care.

“This fund supported what the hospital needed when the hospital needed it.

“With your support, we can do that again.

“With the funds raised, we can be ready to answer the hospital’s needs, no matter what comes at us in the coming year.”

TUHF’s dedicated community fundraiser, Roisin Carthy, is available to support individuals and groups with any questions they may have on how to take part for Tallaght University Hospital.

Register with TUHF by signing up at TUHF.

“If you are on social media, be sure to use our handle @wearetuhf and hashtag #VhiWMM in your posts so that we can cheer you on,” Kelly said.

“So, let’s get together, have fun and support our great hospital.”