Local man to take on Paris marathon for Offaly School of Special Education
By Rebekah O'Reilly
Tullamore native Wayne Mooney is preparing to take on the Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris to raise funds for Offaly School of Special Education.
The marathon is taking place on April 13, with Wayne set to run the famous distance across the city of Paris.
Th 26-year-old said raising money for Offaly School of Special Education was an easy choice, as they cater for some of "the most special children from all over the county".
"The school caters for forty-two pupils between the ages of 4 and 18 years of age, each with a diagnosis of a Severe/Profound/Multiple Disability and/or Autism with Significant Learning Disability.
"At present the school is housed in temporary accommodation [which was] once the old county gaol. The building lacks many of the basic resources and facilities that purpose-built special schools have. They have no physical therapy rooms, no hydrotherapy facilities, no outdoor play areas, and no assembly hall, to name but some of the necessary facilities they have to do without or travel outside of the school to access (at a significant cost). What facilities they do have are totally inadequate and falling into disrepair."
Wayne works as a Field Service Engineer at Schneider Electric, with the company acting as the main sponsor for the Paris Marathon.
"I'm lucky enough that Schneider Electric is sponsoring my ticket for the Paris Marathon," Wayne said. "I decided to take part as I had taken up an interest in running for the past two years. I ran in the Regeneron Limerick half marathon last year and enjoyed it a lot.
"I started my training for my first full marathon last November. Training is tough especially this time of the year with the weather being so cold and icey but I'm getting through it nicely."
The 26-year-old has a personal connection to Offaly School of Special Education, which is driving him forward.
"I went to Killina Secondary School in Rahan where they have a resource center full of the best teachers and most wonderful students. Growing up, my next-door neighbour was one of these wonderful students. I had the pleasure of popping in and out to see them throughout my six years in Killina.
"Offaly Special School of Education cares for students who were unfortunate enough not to get enrolled into Killina. I have an aunt and one of my good friends working there, and the work they do is not noticed or talked about enough. I'm delighted to be a part of helping these great people in raising much needed funds for them."
A fundraising page for Wayne's marathon has amassed over €1,410 of his €2,000 target so far, with over almost two months to go until the main event.
"Between family, friends and great work colleagues the support I have got is a big motivator for me while I train. I'm lucky to have two work colleagues participating in the marathon with me, and staying in touch with them helps me map out the best training plans without doing too much.
"The support I have received has been amazing. With the help of some great people who generously donated to the cause I have almost reached 75% of my goal."
To donate, go to: https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/WayneMooneyParisMarathon