Eighteen people including officers from Laois and Kildare county fire and rescue fire services are currently in training to take part in a gruelling 13k ‘hell and back’ fundraiser on June 10.
The fundraiser is being organised by Edward Gallagher, a firefighter in Portarlington fire station.
Edward organises a run for one charity every year to keep a bond between all the stations and to raise much needed funds for charitable organisations.
Edward who is also a personal trainer, is at the helm of the training sessions for the 13k ‘hell and back’ initiative.
People may be familiar with Edward as he and his family competed in the latest season of Ireland’s Fittest Family.
“We aim to do two circuit sessions per week and some running also as well as kettlebells to hopefully get them fit for June,” he said.
The funds raised from the 13k high endurance obstacle course run up the Wicklow mountains will go to Childhood Cancer Ireland, a charity founded by and led by parents of young people with cancer and survivors.
John Ging, a retired sub officer from Portlaoise Fire Station, availed of cancer support services when his son, also named John, was ill.
John Jnr is now recovering and John Snr expressed thanks to the teams on the Dennis Burkitt ward in St James’ Hospital, Dublin, for all their support.
Every donation to this fundraiser will help to further improve treatment for other children who may need help with accommodation and expenses while going through cancer treatment, according to Edward.
All support will be greatly appreciated, he added.
To view the GoFundMe, click below:
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