Former Sligo rugby star raising funds in Oz for North West Hospice
A SLIGO man living in Australia is seeking local and worldwide support for a fundraising event in memory of his late mum which will raise money for North West Hospice here in Sligo.
Rugby player Aaron Spring is going to complete a Half Marathon on the Gold Coast in Australia in July.
He’s doing it in memory of his mum Mary who, as he puts it, “fought an epic battle with cancer over a six-year period”.
An accomplished rugby player with Sligo RFC, Aaron gained his first cap for Ireland U-20s when they beat Italy 29-10 at Donnybrook in November 2010.
Aaron was the first player from Sligo RFC to be capped for Ireland at U-20 level while still playing for Sligo RFC.
Aaron explains why he is doing the run in his mum Mary’s memory: “My mum Mary fought an epic battle with cancer over six years, and sadly lost that battle last year in August [just six months after the passing of his father, Andy].
“Mum’s final days were spent at North West Hospice in Sligo where she received the most amazing care from all the staff. From the moment mum walked in the door the staff gave her the best treatment.
“Mum was never in any pain and never needed or wanted for a thing while in their care. Even her visitors would be brought plenty of tea and snacks by the Hospice staff, while we spent the last few days of mum's life by her side.
“I really want to give something back to this very deserving facility and show how grateful we are for all that they did for her. You don't realise the amazing work they do, until you need them.”
He added: I've chosen to fundraise for North West Hospice. All funds raised here will go directly to this great cause.
“I hope you can help me by donating whatever you can.
“This is my first time attempting to run anywhere near this far, and I have set myself a personal goal of completing the 21.1km in under two hours.”
Jean McConnell, former president of Sligo Rugby Club, still heavily involved as part of club’s media team, spoke to the Weekender about Aaron, and his initiative.
“While Aaron is in Australia, he’s still with us in every way and is a life-time member by way of his cap for Ireland, but he has always maintained the links with us and we couldn’t say enough about him, a great person and we are more than happy to help him with this lovely fundraising effort for his mum, Mary,” Jean said.
Aaron’s grandad John Snee is a well-known club stalwart too. “John continues his links with the club too, they are a great family, and we have no doubt people in and way beyond Sligo will support this great cause,” Jean added.
Aaron’s mum Mary, Spring (née Snee) from Cartron Point passed away peacefully in August 2022. Predeceased by her mother, another wonderful woman, Phil, and her brother Michael, she was a wonderful person, and it is indeed fitting that she would be remembered by Aaron and all the family and with the support of friends from Sligo Rugby Club and the wider community, the wind will be in Aaron’s sales when he takes on his half marathon in July in the Australian heat.
The link to donate is www.idonate. ie/AaronSpring.