Childhood friends take on London Marathon challenge

TWO childhood friends were on the starting line of the London Marathon at the weekend as they set off on a challenge to help people with a neurological disability.

Not content with just working as a fundraiser at the Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability (RHN) in London, Rathfarnham woman, Sinéad Moriarty, and her best friend, Catherine Glasheen,
spent the past four months training for the marathon by running across Hackney Marshes and along the River Lea in east London.

“I have worked at the RHN for over four years,

? Sinéad said.

“I really love working here and have great respect for the work of the therapists and nurses. I have seen the difference that even small donations can make to people with brain injuries.

?

The Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability is a national medical charity, independent from the NHS, that works to improve the lives of adults affected by severe neurological disability through specialist long term care and rehabilitation.

Founded 161 years ago, the RHN seeks to advance the science of care through its research and education while achieving the best possible quality of life for everyone living with neurological disability.

Sinéad and Catherine have known each other since their schooldays at Loreto Beaufort in Rathfarnham, and moved to London together in 2010. They completed the Hackney Half Marathon together last year, but this was the first full marathon for both of them.

It’s particularly important to the women that they are running together, as Catherine, who works in the jewellery trade for Hirsh London, is moving to Japan later this year. Both women promised they would stay together throughout the whole race and keep each other going.

The friends’ training peaked on March 29 in Hackney with a 22-mile run in the driving rain.

“The wind was very strong so sometimes it seemed like a struggle just to keep staggering forward,

? Catherine said.

“I was wondering if we were crazy to be out running in that weather but it did remind me of home.

?

Anna Wall-Budden, Fundraising Manager at the RHN, said they were extremely grateful to inspirational people like Sinéad and Catherine.

“They help us provide services and therapies which help individuals to be more independent, enhance communication and improve their overall quality of life,

? Ms Wall-Budden said.

“All of the money that we are raising for the marathon is going towards equipment that will help people to be more mobile and independent and that is a very important and positive thing for people with brain injuries.

?

Last year 27 people ran the London Marathon for the hospital and raised an incredible £57,220, and the RHN is hoping that that sum can be exceeded this year.

For more information about how you could support the RHN by taking part in high profile sporting events call the events team on 0208 780 4560 or email [email protected], or go to www.rhncharity.org.uk