Sensory trail at horse project to become reality after €25k raised
By Mary Dennehy
THE Dublin Marathon has solidified the creation of a sensory trail at the Fettercairn Youth and Community Centre, after the fundraising efforts of three runners brought the campaign fund to more than €25k, reports Mary Dennehy.
For the past three years the horse project has been trying to raise money for an integrated, educational and therapeutic riding trail within the existing grounds of the community facility – a project that is set to become a reality after a massive community effort.
Participants at the Dublin Marathon. Photo: Scott Rinckenberger
Local parents Amanda Fox and Grainne Coyle, who have children on the autism spectrum, joined forces in 2017 to raise money for the creation of a sensory trail, after they experienced the positive and therapeutic impact horse riding had on their children Luke and Lucy.
Over the course of the last year, money has been raised through a GoFundMe page, the mini-marathon and support from the residents of Jobstown, Fettercairn, Saggart, Rathcoole and the wider Tallaght community.
Support was also received from local business, including Citywest-based Xylinx and the employees of United Drug.
The final hurdle was the Dublin Marathon last Sunday, which saw Vanessa O’Neill, Margaret Collins and Deborah Tansey take on 26 miles in aid of the sensory horse trail.
Speaking with The Echo, Amanda Fox confirmed that the money raised has now surpassed €25k, with prices in from contractors for the work.
“We have enough money now to cover the sensory trail… and we can’t thank people who supported the fundraising enough,” Amanda said.
“We hope to get work started in January or February and have the trail opened by spring.”
Thanking everybody for their support, Amanda said that the trail will benefit all kids living in the Tallaght area.
The fundraising team are also meeting with South Dublin County Council in the coming weeks to discuss the project.
