Over one hundred and sixty runners and walkers took to the roads in Churchill this morning to take part in the inaugural Bluebird Care 5k, raising an impressive €1,700 in aid of The Órán Nibbs Foundation.
Family, friends and neighbours of young Órán Nibbs, from Trentagh, were delighted with the great show of support as people from all parts of Donegal joined in to do the distance to make a difference.
“We are heartened by the great turnout here today in support of Órán. Thank you to the team at Bluebird Care and everyone involved in making this event possible, and a special thanks to Bernie Heron, Órán’s Bluebird Carer who helps and supports us everyday” says Aisling Nibbs, Órán’s mother.
The first over the line with an impressive time of 16.55 was Gerard McGrenaghan from Letterkenny Athletic Club, closely followed by Marcus McClintock, from Letterkenny Athletic Club at 17.20 and Pádraig Breslin taking third place in the men’s category with a time of 18.22.
Irene McFadden, from Letterkenny Athletic Club was the first female over the line with a time of 19.38, tailed by Monica McGrenaghan, from Letterkenny Athletic Club at 19.40 and Frances Judge, from Letterkenny Athletic Club coming in third place in the female category at 20 minutes exactly.
Donal Haughey, from Tir Conail Athletic Club took first place in the males over 50 category with a time of 19.34. Antoin Boyle, from Letterkenny Athletic Club came first place in the junior boy’s category at 29.26. Kathy Boyle, took first place in the female over 45 category with a time of 23.44. Aine Duddy, from Churchill came in first place in the junior girls category at 28.58.
All of the funds raised from the Bluebird Care 5k today will go towards helping Órán, who suffers from a rare and progressive condition called Mitochondrial Disease, to receive vital medical treatment in America.
Speaking after the event in the Gartan Outdoor Education Centre, Director of Bluebird Care (Donegal and Leitrim) Marty Kelly, said, “well done and many thanks to all of you who have made today a great success, especially to all our runners and walkers who have helped us raise €1,700 to go towards youngÓrán’s vital treatment in America.
“I would also like to thank Gartan Outdoor Education Centre; Aura Leisure Centre; Glenleary Stables Ramelton; Evolve Menswear; The Swing Room; Neary’s Pharmacy; The Zip Yard; Jiffy Dry Cleaners and HairDO’s Hairdressers for generously sponsoring today’s great prizes”
The Bluebird Care 5K will become an annual event to raise funds to support local charities. For more information on Bluebird Care log ontowww.bluebirdcare.ie