We’re getting behind Daniel’s Dublin Marathon challenge

A CHARITY that was set up by lovers of cricket have got behind a marathon effort to help a young Southside boy.

Daniel Tighe (11), from Tallaght, has a rare genetic disorder called Sotos Syndrome that has resulted in severe intellectual disability, epilepsy, visual impairment, sensory issues.

He also has no speech which can lead to challenging behaviour.

Daniel is one of the very few children living in Ireland with the disorder that affects sensory processing and growth. It means that by the age of 10 months he was the size of a three-year- old.

Last year, Daniel's mum, Sinead, ran the Dublin Marathon while pushing her disabled son in a buggy in a bid to raise up to €100,000 to convert their home.

The family needed the money to convert the downstairs of their home to be wheelchair-accessible while transforming the living room and kitchen into a bedroom for Daniel.

Incredibly, Sinead (44) completed the challenge, all the while pushing Daniel in his buggy and they managed to raise the money.

Now, however, in a bid to keep ‘Daniel’s Voyage’ as the fundraising mission is called, going, Daniel’s dad, Keith, will take on the same challenge this year.

"It took me a few days to get over the effort," Sinead said about her amazing feat last year.

“But I had also taken on an injury that took a little bit longer to get over.”

Last year Sinead was crowned Tallaght Person of the Year 2017 for being a “tenacious and devoted mam, who is striving to overcome many physical challenges to give her son Daniel a fulfilled life”.

Now, then Lord's Tavernier’s Ireland, a charity set up by cricket-loving fans to give a ‘sporting chance’ to those in need and with disabilities, are getting behind Daniel's Voyage.

The club's director, Ken Brennan, said they were excited to support Daniel's Voyage by providing a customised running chair for Daniel.

They were inspired to support Daniel, Ken said, as despite his daily struggles, he “always has a beautiful smile and his infectious laugh brightens up any day”.

 “To see how happy Daniel is while using his new running chair is absolutely heart-warming,” Ken said. “We wish him and his lovely family many more happy and inclusive runs together.”

Part of the cost of the chair was funded by Bros Pearse Athletics Club who are proud to have both Sinead and Daniel as members.

Following the handover Sinead said she wanted to “thank you all so much for helping us give Daniel the quality of life he deserves”.

Sinead thanked everyone for, she said, “helping us give Daniel the quality of life he deserves”.