Launching the Santa 5Km Fun Run at Tralee Wetlands on Thursday were, in front; Ruairi, a participating student from Tralee CBS, Deirdre Moore, Mags Quillinan Sophie Quillinan, Ken Quillinan, Jonathan from Tralee CBS. Back from Left: Diana Griffin particapting student from Mounthawk, Geraldine Sheehy Tralee CBS, Martin Moore, Helen Tansley Tralee CBS, Maura O’Sullivan, Alannah McElligott, Mercy Mounthawk pupil. Photo by Gavin O’Connor
A TRALEE girl who died last year will be remembered again this December at the second annual Tralee 5Km Santa Fun Run.
The run had a hugely successful debut in 2013 with over 800 participants on the day raising a total of €13,060.44, all of which went towards granting wishes for Kerry children with the Make a Wish Foundation.
This year’s run, on December 14, is in aid of the Ronald McDonald House, Crumlin and in memory of Fiona Moore who died in May 2013 at the age of 16 from Primary Pulmonary hypertension, while awaiting a lung transplant.
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Fiona’s parents, Deirdre and Martin used Ronald McDonald House, over the years while she was ill.
The charity provides accommodation and a caring supportive environment for families whose children are seriously ill and are hospitalised or undergoing medical treatment at Our Ladys Children Hospital Crumlin.
Deirdre and Martin Moore described how vital the service was for them.
“When Fiona was admitted to Our Lady’s Hospital Crumlin in May 2009 we were told it could be for a long time. The hospital staff referred us to Ronald Mc Donald house and within a few days we were allocated an apartment there.
The facilities were first class and included a fully equipped kitchen, a library, a play area and other facilities that made our relocation to Dublin easier to deal with.
Over the next few years we had numerous hospital stays and even at short notice the staff in Ronald McDonald house would do their utmost to get us a room. We may have only stayed two nights or many weeks but were always made feel at home. Like us, no family ever knows when a child will be taken ill and have to be admitted to Crumlin and even for how long. It is a fantastic facility for families who are under extreme stress and miles from home.”
The organisers of the run are encouraging people to dress up for the event and aim to make it a family day out fun for people of all ages, along with the family pet.
The Tralee 5Km Santa Fun Run kicks off a 11am from the Tralee Bay wetlands, and continues on the same route as last year out to blennerville, over the bridge, back through Kearneys Road, and ending once again in the wetlands.
Entry is €5 for under 16s, €8 for adults, €20 for a family of 4, €30 for a family of 5 or more. Pets are free.
You can register online here
