More than 200 people tackle Offaly bog run for children with cancer

Some 232 people recently gathered at Lough Boora Discovery Park to tackle a bog run challenge in support of Cancer Fund for Children.

The event, on Sunday, March 23, was the charity's second-ever bog run at the popular Offaly amenity.

Participants could take on the senior course or get stuck in with their families, with the junior course open to children aged 8-14.

From trekking through bushes, clambering over fallen trees and marching through mud, participants put their physical endurance to the test and had great craic, all while raising funds for Cancer Fund for Children's vital services.

This event was sponsored by Lumcloon Energy and Halston Environmental and Planning. Representatives from these organisations also took on the bog run and, speaking about the challenge, Nigel Reams of Lumcloon Energy said: "Lumcloon Energy and Halston Environmental & Planning were so delighted to be involved in the Bog Run for the second year in a row.

"It's always a great day's craic organised in support of children and young people impacted by cancer and we're thrilled to have played a part in making it a reality."

Colm Staunton added: "We are over the moon that the Bog Run returned for the second year in a row and that we were able to support this incredible event once again.

"It's always amazing to see participants really embrace the challenge in support of Cancer Fund for Children’s vital services. This is a wonderful charity that we're proud to partner with, especially as they progress with building Daisy Lodge in Cong, not far from the headquarters of Halston Environmental & Planning."

Sinead O'Malley, Events and Digital Fundraiser for Cancer Fund for Children, expressed her gratitude to those who took part in the bog run.

"It really was a team effort and wouldn’t have been possible without our sponsors Lumcloon Energy and Halston Environmental and Planning, the team from Bord na Móna who provided so much support, help from businesses and all of the volunteers who came along on the day to support with registration, marshalling and generally keeping everything running smoothly. Not to mention our amazing participants who brought so much fun and energy!

"We're looking forward to building on this event going forward so that we can be there for even more children and families when they need us most," she concluded.

Cancer Fund for Children are a non-profit organisation that provide vital services to children and young people (up to the age of 24) who are diagnosed with cancer across the island of Ireland.

Their team of Cancer Support Specialists provide informal emotional, social and therapeutic support, at home, in hospital and at the charity’s therapeutic short break centre, Daisy Lodge, in Newcastle Co. Down.

Plans are also underway for the development of the second Daisy Lodge centre in Cong, Mayo.

You can find out more about the organisation by visiting www.cancerfundforchildren.com.