Irish soldiers in Lebanon have raised more than €10,000 for a children’s charity in honour of their fallen comrade, Private Seán Rooney.
UNIFIL’s 121st Infantry Battalion in Lebanon are running a 100km challenge in January to raise funds for the non-profit Rainbows Ireland Child & Youth Grief & Loss Support CLG. Every step of the way, they are remembering Pte Rooney from Dundalk/Newtowncunningham, who lost his life on active service with the United Nations last month.
People everywhere are being invited to step up to the fundraising challenge and donate to the charity which supports children going through bereavement.
Visit the GoFundMe page here: www.gofundme.com/f/the-sean-rooney-100km-run-in-january
Organiser Alex Tate said: “Do you want to join the lads from 121 UNIFIL in Lebanon in making a difference?
“We are raising money in aid of Rainbows Ireland Child & Youth Grief & Loss Support CLG and every donation will help.
“Thank you in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me.”
Among the many donors are Pte Rooney’s parents, Natasha and Paul, his fiancée Holly McConnellogue and his siblings.
Supporters have shared words of condolence and words of encouragement with the soldiers taking on the challenge.
“Great gesture troops, thinking of yous all,” said one person.
Another person said: “Wonderful and worthy cause, well done to all. R.I.P Seán Rooney.”