OVER 300 people helped raise thousands of euro for a great cause after an event held before Christmas.

The annual Tralee Santa 5k Fun Run saw runners and walkers set off from Tralee Bay Wetlands on Sunday, December 18, in an array of festive costumes raising €5,000 for Down Syndrome Kerry.

The event was founded by Martin and Deirdre Moore in 2013 in memory of their daughter Fiona, who was just 16 when she passed away in May of that year from Pulmonary Hypertension, while waiting on a lung transplant.

Continued below…

Since it started, around €65,000 has been raised for various charities and the event has grown into a festive tradition for families.

Chairperson of Down Syndrome Kerry, Maurice Horan, expressed his gratitude to the organisers for their efforts at a presentation of a cheque at the Wetlands on Thursday afternoon.

“We’re extremely grateful for the generous donation from the Santa Run committee. All these donations go towards funding the services we provide,” he said.

Maurice also reminded people of the special ‘Stars In Their Eyes’ fundraiser which will see young adults with Down syndrome, their families and friends take to the stage to showcase their talents  on Friday, March 24 at 7pm at the Listowel Arms Hotel.

Tickets cost €20 and are available from Down Syndrome Kerry Office at Balloonagh Estate in Tralee (call 066 710 3804) and from any of the participants.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………