Sunshine Club to benefit from 'Nan's Miles for Smiles' fundraiser

An Inspirational Athlone grandmother and volunteer for over 30 years with the Irish Wheelchair Association is behind a major fundraising event this weekend which will raise funds for The Sunshine Club.

Mary Gaynor, from St. Paul's Terrace in Athlone, is behind the "Nan's Miles for Smiles" fundraiser which will see participants running 4km every four hours over a 24 hour period this Friday and Saturday, November 19 and 20.

The fundraising challenge will get underway at 12 noon from the Rinka Fitness Studio in Monksland and will continue until 12 noon on Saturday, and before participants embark on their run they are planning to do 10 squats, 10 push-ups and a one minute plank!

With the theme of the fundraiser being 4km, Mary Gaynor is hoping to raise a total of €4,000 for the Athlone Sunshine Club and the closing date for donations is December 5.

While participants are being encouraged to run the 4km, the redoubtable Mary Gaynor is quick to point out that "anyone can do this challenge" and those who feel they can't run 4km can walk the same distance, or can complete a relay with a group of friends or work colleagues.

Having volunteered with the Irish Wheelchair Association in Athlone for over 30 years, Mary Gaynor (who is affectionately known as 'Nan') became a service user herself last year when she had to have her two legs amputated.

She is hugely passionate about the Irish Wheelchair Association's Sunshine Club, in particular, which is a social club catering for young people with disabilities within the community for the past 17 years. Meeting once a month, children with physical and sensory disabilities come together to participate in a range of activities. It is a place where families not only receive respite hours but bond and share information and advice.

The Sunshine Club receives no HSE funding, so it relies on the generosity of the local community in Athlone, which enables them to plan and implement activities and outings for social interaction and inclusion throughout the year.

All monies raised from the 'Nan's Miles for Smiles' fundraiser will go towards new and exciting projects which will enhance the quality of services delivered"

If you would like to support this very worthwhile fundraiser and the work of the Sunshine Club - please donate using the link below:

https://www.idonate.ie/event/3136_nan-s-miles-for-smiles-in-aid-of-iwa.html