Dubliners encouraged to join LauraLynn treadmill challenge in May

LauraLynn, Ireland’s only Children’s Hospice, has launched their 24-Hour Treadmill Challenge which will take place during the charity’s annual awareness and fundraising campaign, Children’s Hospice Week, this May.

The momentous challenge will take place at LauraLynn in Dublin across 24 hours from Thursday 23^rd May into Friday 24^th May. The charity is calling on members of the public, business owners and companies big and small to join them for this special event and help keep the treadmills in motion across the 24 hours by signing up for a 30-minute slot during the event or as many slots as you like!  For more information, please visit www.treadmillchallenge.ie

Every treadmill must remain in continuous motion for 24 hours. The treadmill can never stop because families caring for a child with a life-limiting condition care for them 24 hours a day, there is no break.  24 hours represents the care that LauraLynn provide within their purpose-built hospice in Dublin, but it also represents the full length of a day for many of the parents and carers of children who avail of LauraLynn services.

Speaking at the launch of the LauraLynn Treadmill Challenge, LauraLynn Ambassador, Garry Ringrose said “I am delighted to lend my support and help highlight the 24-hour care that children with life-limiting conditions require and how LauraLynn plays a vital role giving these children and their families a break within that schedule, allowing families to have fun together and make precious memories.’

Commenting at the launch of this fundraiser, the Smith Family from Cavan whose Son, Jake avails of LauraLynn’s services, said “for families like ours, we are all too familiar with caring around the clock. Our days are often dominated by medical appointments, feeding and caring for Jake, LauraLynn are a lifeline for us. We get time to rest and recharge and simply be Mum and Dad again, making memories as a family.’’

LauraLynn care is provided free of charge for children and families. Relying primarily on fundraised income to fund its hospice services.

Since opening in 2011, LauraLynn has cared for over 750 children and their families, with more than 310 children and families availing of care & supports in 2023. LauraLynn provides holistic care to each child which enables them to make the most of every day. This care also extends to the family of each child who are often dealing with difficult emotional, physical, and financial pressures.

The charity is calling on members of the public, business owners and companies big and small to form teams and join them for this special event and help keep the treadmills in motion across the 24 hours. People can take part virtually or register for a space at the event at LauraLynn – For more information please visit www.treadmillchallenge.ie