Tullamore native raises €2.5k for local special school in Paris Marathon

Tullamore native Wayne Mooney had raised a total of €2,530 for Offaly School of Special Education with his Paris Marathon fundraiser.

Wayne completed the marathon on Sunday, April 13, over the legendary 42.195 km distance.

The 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".

"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," Wayne told the Offaly Independent ahead of the marathon.

"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."

The school caters for forty-two pupils between the ages of 4 and 18 years of age, with students living with a Severe/Profound/Multiple Disability and/or Autism with Significant Learning Disability.

Offaly School of Special Education expressed their sincere thanks to Wayne for his efforts.

"Wayne is a nephew of Bridgie, one of our long standing SNAs here at OSSE. Congratulations on this incredible achievement! [A distance of] 42.195 km conquered and €2480 raised so far. We are so proud of you and so grateful for your support."

Donations remain open until April 20. To donate, go to: https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/WayneMooneyParisMarathon