Marathon support for children’s charities

Chernobyl Children International and the Children’s Medical and Research Foundation named as official charities for the 2011 National Lottery Dublin Marathon



Two of Ireland’s best known children’s charities were today announced as official charity partners of this year’s National Lottery Dublin Marathon.

Adi Roche and Eamonn Coghlan launched an appeal for runners, walkers and joggers across the country to take part in this year’s Marathon and raise money on behalf of their respective charities; Chernobyl Children International and the Children’s Medical and Research Foundation.

Last year’s Dublin Marathon is estimated to have generated in excess of €10 million for charities, and race participation numbers look set to follow the upward trend shown in recent years according to Race Director of the National Lottery Dublin Marathon Jim Aughney.

“Over 13,000 people entered the Marathon last year, which marked our highest level of entrants to date since the race began in 1980, and we are confident that we will exceed that number this year” said Aughney.

The Children’s Medical and Research Centre is the fundraising charity of Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin and the National Children’s Research Centre.

Their Ambassador, Eamonn Coghlan said “I really want everyone to get behind the Eamonn Coghlan team for Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin for this year’s Dublin Marathon. Our sickest children need our support. By joining our team you will be guaranteed to support Ireland’s sickest kids and you will ensure that groundbreaking research continues to give sick children the best chance into the future.

“I guarantee that every one of your kilometres will translate into vital funds for sick kids so I will make sure our team benefit from my running experience, that they will get the tips at their disposal and the motivation to make this challenge a success”

Adi Roche, CEO, Chernobyl Children International (CCI) said;
‘We are thrilled, excited and extremely honoured to have been selected as one of the beneficiary charity partners for the National Lottery Dublin Marathon 2011. This year is a very special year for our charity as it marks the 25th Anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. With the support of the Dublin Marathon, we will continue to raise awareness and much-needed funds for children in the Chernobyl regions, who today, 25 years on, continue to suffer. Every step you take , will raise more Euros for the thousands of Children on waiting lists for surgeries. Get your heart racing, keep their hearts beating!

The 32nd annual National Lottery Dublin Marathon will take place on Bank Holiday Monday, 31st October. For further information or to enter see www.dublinmarathon.ie


To join the Eamonn Coghlan team for Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin, Lo-Call 1890 507 508 or log onto www.kilometresforkids.ie

To join Team Chernobyl call the team at (021) 431 2999 or log onto www.chernobyl-international.com for further details.


ENDS


For further information:
Jennifer Gleeson, Marathon Press Office @ WHPR
6690030 or 0868690348
jennifer.gleeson@ogilvy.com