Park runners to race for new disability hub
A group of avid park runners have rallied around to run Cork City Marathon to fundraise for a new Enable Ireland hub in East Cork.
One of their number is the mother of 26 year old Robert Murray Good, who was born with cerebral palsy and hydrocephalus. He and his mother, Ruth, have availed of vital disability services from Enable Ireland in Cork since Robert was a baby.
After sharing with her local Park Run community the positive impact the services have had on their lives, over twenty people will run Cork City Marathon events on 1 June and raise funds for Enable Ireland. They are joining Robert and Ruth, who will take part in the Cork City 10km using a wheelchair buggy.
Robert attends the Enable Ireland Adult Service HUB in Ballintemple three days a week.
Ruth said: “Robert loves going to the hub. The excitement when the bus comes to pick him up is unreal. He becomes full of energy knowing that he is heading to Enable Ireland. He gives me a little hug and blows a kiss, and then he’s on his way. He has loads of friends at the centre and he does so many activities.”
Among the runners is Robert’s sister and Ruth’s daughter, Heather. Heather first brought Ruth to the Park Run in Ballincollig Regional Park as a way for Ruth to have some time to herself. Ruth made many friends at the Ballincollig Park Run, including Siobhan Holland. It is Siobhan who has coordinated the group of Park Runners who will join Robert and Ruth at the Cork City Marathon.
Siobhan said: “As a group from Ballincollig Park Run, we are blessed to take part in the Cork City Marathon, Half Marathon, and 10K. Ruth is a regular runner and volunteer at the Parkrun. She’s a great friend and an integral part of our running community.”
Ruth, Robert, and their team of Park Runners will be participating in the Cork City Marathon, half marathon, and 10km.
The funds they raise will go towards a new €1.2m fund to convert a bungalow in Midleton into a state-of-the-art hub. The hub will provide person-centred services to 20 adults with disabilities in the local community, including Robert.
Ruth continued: “From the services Robert received as a child to now, Enable Ireland has been fantastic. I know they will be there for Robert throughout his life. We couldn’t say enough for them.”