Park run in memory of Lily

Dublin People 24 Jan 2020

Lily pictured during the Dublin Kite Festival on North Bull Island.

THE Dublin parents of a seven-year-old girl who passed away last year are organising a charity run next week in aid of a Southside school.

Brian Daly and Olivea Maguire are hosting the Fly High Lily Remembrance Run in the Phoenix Park to commemorate their daughter, Lily Daly, who died after sudden complications associated with hydrocephalus.

All funds raised from the event on Saturday, February 8 will be donated to Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland (SBHI) in Clondalkin and towards the creation of a sensory outdoor garden in Lily’s school, Gaelscoil Inse Chór, located in Islandbridge, Dublin 8.

Lily’s parents said they remember her as “a ball of positive energy bouncing around with love for everyone”.

“Even though she was only seven and a half, she showed an empathy that was beyond her years, caring for others,” they said.

“She is missed beyond measure every moment of every day, her cheeky smile, her determined nature, her joyful outlook on life.”

The sensory garden is designed as “a way for other kids to explore, imagine and belong, just as Lily did”.

“She would love the idea of an outdoor classroom in her name,” her parents added. “As a family, it would mean the world to us knowing that Lily's legacy will live on.”

Tom Scott, CEO with SBHI, added: “We are honoured that the Maguire and Daly family have thought of SBHI in remembering their beautiful daughter, Lily.

“We will do everything we can to ensure that this special legacy enriches the lives of others who live with hydrocephalus and spina bifida across Ireland.”
The event takes place in the Phoenix Park on Saturday, February 8 at 9.30am. This is a 5km timed run with a 2.5km untimed option available.

All are welcome and support for this worthy cause is greatly appreciated.

Ireland has one of the highest incidence rates in the world with 40 babies born with spina bifida each year here.

It is the most common neural tube defect (NTD) which causes incomplete development of the spinal cord. Translated, ‘spina bifida’ literally means ‘split spine’.