Run for Rita event aims to help young boy with autism
By Aideen O'Flaherty
THE ANNUAL Run for Rita event will this year raise funds for a companion dog to be trained to help a young Tallaght boy who has autism, with the community being invited to take part in the 5k race in Tymon Park on Saturday, March 30 at 3pm.
The annual Run for Rita event, now in its sixth year, is held in memory of Kilnamanagh woman Rita Savage, who passed away in 2008 after battling breast cancer.
SUPPORT: Tanya Lieghio with son Max and dog Jangle.
The event started as a “one-off” event in 2014 but has grown each year thanks to the support of the local community. Each year a different charity or cause becomes the beneficiary of the funds raised through the event.
This year, the money raised from the event will enable Max Gaynor (5) from Kilnamanagh, who has autism and is non-verbal, to get his companion dog Jangle to undertake four months’ training with My Canine Companion Autism Services in Cork so he can become a qualified service dog.
Max’s mother, Tanya Lieghio, told The Echo that when Glenda Curtis, the organiser of Rita’s Run, asked her if she would like this year’s run to help to fund the training for Max’s dog, she “thought it was a lovely idea”.
“People are aware, through Facebook, of what’s going on with Max and the difficulties he has.
“I was very overwhelmed and emotional when Glenda asked me.
“Not only will this help Max to get his dog [to be qualified], it will also raise awareness of other children with autism out there who are struggling.”
Ms Lieghio added: “Max is in a buggy as he’s a flight risk – he’s unaware of danger.
“When the dog has finished his training, he’ll be attached to Max and he’ll keep him safe, keep him calm and he will give Max some independence.”
The cost of Jangle’s training will total €10,000, and the dog has already been with the family for several weeks where he has been bonding with Max.
Ms Lieghio said that she expects to send Jangle to Cork for his training within the next 12 to 14 months.
Glenda Curtis, the event organiser, and Rita’s daughter, said she put a post on Facebook asking about a local good cause that she could fundraise for through her event. Two people got in touch to make her aware of Tanya and Max and their fundraising for an assistance dog.
Ms Curtis told The Echo: “I think autism has just gone huge, so many children have been diagnosed with it.
“Max is very severe, Tanya can’t even go out with him – this child really needs one of these assistance dogs to get the best out of his life.”
Ms Curtis is looking forward the annual event, which she describes as being a “lovely” experience, and she added that she enjoys hearing people talking about her mother in the run-up to the event.
Run for Rita takes place in Tymon Park on Saturday, March 30 at 3pm, and you can register via www.popupraces.ie, or by contacting Glenda on 087 958 3714, or you can register on the day from 1.30pm in the park ranger’s house.
Entry is priced at €20 for adults, €10 for under 16s, and a family rate of €50 (two adults and up to four children).
Refreshments will be served and a raffle will be held in Kilnamanagh Community Centre following the race.
