Doherty launches mini marathon appeal

Deputy Regina Doherty of Meath East has joined with Cystic Fibrosis Ireland ambassador, RTÉ's Nuala Carey, and donned trainers and running kit to launch the charity's One in 1,000 appeal. The fundraiser has set as a target the recruitment of 1,000 women to take part in the Flora Women's Mini Marathon on Monday June 2 and help raise thousands of euro for services for people with cystic fibrosis, such as information and support, grant assistance, research and the funding of vital state-of-the-art hospital facilities. One thousand is approximately the number of people in Ireland with cystic fibrosis, so each runner will be symbolically representing a person living with the disease in this country.

This is RTÉ weather presenter Nuala Carey's second year to take part in the mini marathon on behalf of Cystic Fibrosis Ireland. She says:
'If, like me, you're one of those people who needs just the tiniest little motivation to get out of the house and get that beach body geared up for the Summer sun, then I can't think of a better reason to get fit and to feel good about yourself than to choose Cystic Fibrosis Ireland as your charity for the women's mini marathon. Each year, 50 people are newly diagnosed with cystic fibrosis and it's devastating to watch the huge impact that this can have on how people live their lives. We need to do all that we can to support those with the disease in living their lives to the full and I would encourage women nationwide to register their support with Cystic Fibrosis Ireland and become that all-important One in 1,000. Together we can make a real difference.'

 Since the start of One in 1,000, more than €600,000 has been raised to upgrade facilities across the country, including the development of a new state-of-the-art four-bed ward for children in Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin.

Philip Watt, Chief Executive of Cystic Fibrosis Ireland, believes the One in 1,000 appeal is vital to its efforts to continue to provide services for people with cystic fibrosis. He comments:

'Ireland has among some of the most severe strains of cystic fibrosis and also has the highest incidence per head of population in the world, with three times the rate of the United States and the rest of the European Union. As a country, we need to continue to step up our efforts to support the more than 1,000 people living with the condition here and to enhance their quality of life through care, appropriate medical facilities and research. Cystic Fibrosis Ireland relies almost entirely on the public to help it to do its work and so we would urge women across the country to come together behind us for what is our biggest annual fundraising endeavour that enables us to provide services to people with cystic fibrosis. Not only will they be supporting what I believe to be a key cause, but it will also help their mind and body fitness, create friends for life and be incredibly fun.'

Women can register with the charity either as individuals or as a group. To find out more about the One in 1,000 appeal and to receive a fundraising pack, visit www.cfireland.ie, go to www.facebook.com/1in1000 or LoCall 1890 311 211.