Lace up for LauraLynn's new treadmill challenge

LauraLynn is calling on Corkonians to get involved with its 24 Hour Treadmill Challenge, which takes place next month.

The event will take place during the charity’s annual awareness and fundraising campaign, Children’s Hospice Week.

The LauraLynn Cork-based team provide care and supports across Cork, Kerry and Limerick to children with life-limiting conditions and their families, and in 2022, LauraLynn opened its first regional community-based service in Mallow.

The charity is calling on the people of Cork to join them to help keep the treadmills in motion across the 24 hours by signing up for a 30 minute slot during their Treadmill Challenge.

According to the organisers: “Every treadmill must remain in continuous motion for 24 hours. The treadmill can never stop because families caring for a child with a life-limiting condition care for them 24 hours a day, there is no break.”

The challenge will take place in Dublin across 24 hours from Thursday 23 May into Friday 24 May.

Commenting at the launch of this fundraiser, the Smith Family whose Son, Jake avails of LauraLynn’s services, said: “For families like ours, we are all too familiar with caring around the clock. Our days are often dominated by medical appointments, feeding and caring for Jake, LauraLynn are a lifeline for us.

“We get time to rest and recharge and simply be Mum and Dad again, making memories as a family,” the family said.

Since opening in 2011, LauraLynn has cared for over 750 children and their families, with more than 310 children and families availing of care and supports in 2023.

LauraLynn provides holistic care to each child, this care also extends to the family of each child who are often dealing with difficult emotional, physical, and financial pressures. People can take part virtually or register for a space at the event at LauraLynn. For more information visit treadmillchallenge.ie.