Cystic Fibrosis marathon campaign a success

OVER 1,000 women turned out for the 2012 Flora Women’s Mini Marathon in support of the Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland’s 1 in 1,000 campaign.

The campaign’s aim to recruit 1,000 women for the race was successful.

Among several high profile women who took part in the race were TV3’s Xpose presenter Karen Koster, Rose of Tralee Tara Talbot and Rubberbandits beauty Madeline Mulqueen.

Since 2010, the 1 in 1,000 campaign has raised over

?¬400,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland, which contributed to the new four-bed Cystic Fibrosis Unit at Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin, and to a new parent support pack for parents of newly diagnosed children.

The charity is hoping to raise

?¬200,000 this year with each participant raising at least e200 in sponsorship.

The aim of the campaign is to raise funds to provide new and additional isolation beds and treatment units for children and adults with CF in hospitals in Dublin, Drogheda, Castlebar and Limerick.

Outlining her reasons for being 1 in 1,000 at this year’s mini marathon, Karen Koster said:

“I’ve seen first hand the devastating effects of Cystic Fibrosis so if I can help in any way, what better way to spend the June bank holiday Monday.

?

1 in 1,000 is a fun and unique initiative founded by Zoe Woodward and a group of her friends and family.

They wanted to do something for Cystic Fibrosis following the diagnosis of Zoe’s little girls Emily and Lana (now aged 5 and 4) with CF.

Together the group built an exciting event that rallied 1,000 women into doing something incredible.

“Each year I am overwhelmed by the support generated for 1 in 1,000,

? said Zoe Woodward.

“So many women come forward with enthusiasm, energy and commitment to help people with Cystic Fibrosis.

?

Rose of Tralee Tara Talbot said she was proud to be involved in the campaign.

“It brings together so many people to raise money, increase awareness, and reduce the length of time a child with Cystic Fibrosis needs to stay in hospital,

? she stated.