Schoolgirls go the extra mile to support spina bifida charity
By Aideen O'Flaherty
TWO SCHOOLGIRLS will be going the extra mile to fundraise for Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland (SBHI), which affects their two-year-old friend, by taking part in the Long Course Weekend (LCW) Mallorca Kids’ Beach Run in October.
Catelyn and Libby Martin are following in their father Stephen Martin’s footsteps, with the Jobstown man, who runs Marathon Man to Ironman, having done a number of endurance events, including a 25km Lough Erne swim, to raise funds for SBHI.
Catelyn Martin (left) and Hannah Keogh (right)
Stephen decided to get involved in fundraising for SBHI when his friend Anthony Keogh’s daughter Hannah (2), from Ballycragh in Tallaght, was born with the condition, which is the result of incomplete spinal development in the womb.
The condition can cause incontinence, mobility issues, pressure sores and social challenges in those affected.
Now Stephen’s daughters Libby (7) and Catelyn (6), who are pupils of St Thomas’ National School in Jobstown, have started getting involved in running to fundraise for the charity.
Stephen said: “It’s great to see the girls getting involved, and my joy is in seeing them enjoying it.
“They did Ironkids in Wales in June and they loved it, they’re just dying to do the run in Mallorca now.”
Not enough awareness
SBHI, which is based in Clondalkin, was formed in 1968 when a small group of parents whose children were affected by spina bifida and hydrocephalus came together to offer support and highlight awareness of the conditions.
Stephen said: “It’s good to give back” and to highlight the charity as “there’s not enough awareness.”
Catelyn and Libby will be taking part in the LCW Mallorca Kids’ Beach Run on Sunday, October 28, and you can donate to SBHI through the Marathon Man to Ironman fundraising page online at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/marathonmantoironman
