Every year fundraising plays a vital part in keeping organisations and voluntary bodies ticking over to provide a service to many children and their parents and guardians throughout the year.
Since the Covid-19 pandemic set in over one year ago, many worthy fundraising events have ceased. This is where the Balla No Name became interested when they heard about the Ray D'Arcy Show Marathon Challenge in aid of the Laura Lynn Foundation, Irelands Children's Hospice.
They immediately registered with Ray D'Arcy Show for the fundraiser. Preparations began by asking individuals and clubs locally to get involved and this proved to be successful.
Balla No Name Club explained: "The task involved a remote virtual lockdown challenge of completing 50km over five weeks with the final 10km taking place on St Patrick's day in Balla.
"People could be seen doing their remote training in the morning, afternoon and evening, and when the day arrived for the event on St Patrick's day, they were in tip top shape for the event.
"Strict adherence to the social distancing measures were in place and the event was spread over four hours to allow guidelines as announced by the HSE and Government to ensure safe standards were applied. This event was a nationwide event with over 1,000 participants taking to the roads, tracks boreens and highways of the country.
"The event when completed is expected to raise half a million euros in total. This initiative by the Balla No Name Club comes under a joint plan by the club to promote mental and physical health and raise much needed funding for the Laura Lynn Foundation.
"All funds raised will go towards the care and support for children with life-limiting conditions and their families. At this moment in time we are awaiting the final sponsorship cards to be returned before a final figure can be officially announced to the public, but this will take place very soon.
"St Patrick, our patron saint, made an appearance for the event and made everybody feel welcome and this added to the atmosphere on the day. The Balla No Name Club organisers would like to thank every single person, family, club, group and the business people and companies who supported this worthy cause and made a donation."
