THE TEAM BEHIND THE SCENE OF THE HOPE AND DREAM 10
My name is Syl Hipwell. I am a member of An Garda Siochana and have been involved with the Hope and Dream 10 for the past five years.
I was approached by Michael Jordan in 2015, who asked if I could assist with the organising of the Hope and Dream 10 event. I was privileged to be able to offer my assistance to the event. To those who don’t know the Hope and Dream Run is in aid of the Hope Centre in Enniscorthy and Hospice Home Care which provides valuable assistance to people and families affected by cancer.
I met the greatest bunch of people that anyone could work with at my first meeting in the Hope Centre, Enniscorthy.
Volunteers from all walks of life attended and were bursting with enthusiasm. So much time, energy and goodwill goes into the organising, planning and preparation of the Hope and Dream 10. I noted a plaque on the wall in the Hope Centre which reads
“Volunteers cannot be paid as they are priceless”. One single statement that says it all.
I became part of the Hope and Dream Team undertaking the role of Safety Officer. With the cooperation and assistance of the volunteers from the Hope and Dream team I ensure that all safety standards are met.
We facilitate meetings with local Garda Colleagues and County Council representatives to ensure that the event runs safely and successfully.
As safety officer the race day commences at 05.00am for me and the many volunteers. The preparation and clearing of the promenade and also both 10 mile and 10 k routes begin. The commitment, energy and hardwork of the Hope and Dream Team of volunteers and marshals on the day ensures that the event runs smoothly and efficiently.
Approximately 2,400 runners and walkers participated in the Hope and Dream Run last year. It is super to see the field of runners and walkers taking off from the Promenade each year donning their Hope and Dream t shirts. Well done and thank you to all who have undertaken the run or walk and supported the Hope and Dream event down through the years.
It is a great relief when all the runners/walkers have safely completed and enjoyed the 10 k or 10 mile route. The Riverside Hotel generously provide refreshments to all participants after the race.
As a volunteer we meet people who share their own story and explain their personal reason for taking part in the race.
We also meet people and families whose lives have benefited from the wonderful service the Hope Centre provides.
I look forward to Hope and Dream 2020 and working with a great group of volunteers who give so generously of their time and skills.
I wish all participants all the best with their running and walking schedule in preparation for the Hope and Dream Run in April 2020. Look forward to seeing you all on the start line on the 5th April.
Good luck and stay safe.
EAMONN DOYLE
My name is Eamonn Doyle. I have been volunteering for a number of years with the Hope & Dream. Every year I’m involved with setting up the route on the day before and in the morning of the event. We head in on race day around 5am and set up the Prom. Everything from closing roads to putting up barriers. When the race heads off I head to the finish line and start setting up the tables with drinks and bananas etc. that are handed out to each finisher of the race.
Once the last person crosses the line we start the clean up of the Prom.
Taking away and dismantling everything that was set up that morning.
Not until the Prom is totally cleaned up and looking like nothing ever took place do we head to The Riverside for a cuppa. It’s such a great day and the atmosphere is amazing.
JIM DOYLE
My name is Jim Doyle. I got involved in hope and Dream 10 after getting a call from Theo Lacey to give a hand stewarding a race in tow.
Not knowing anything about it I said yes and the rest is history. I got to see at first hard the work that hospice does when my uncle was diagnosed with cancer and I couldn’t speak highly enough about the work the nurses do on a daily basis. I have made many good friends over the years and long may the Hope and Dream 10 continue.