St Oliver’s 5k fun run was a huge success

CATRIONA Mathews from the St Oliver’s Community Hospital Relatives’ Forum was the driving force behind the 5k run held recently. Catriona, with her daughter Laura, along with Jim Gonnelly and the members of the Relatives’ Forum did trojan work in planning and organising the event.

It was the first year of the run and the day was a tremendous success. It started at Dowdallshill GFC under the direction of Liam and Mary McGeown and it was a great day for young and old alike. Apart from the runners, there were walkers, joggers, parents with strollers and a very special lady in a wheelchair.

Pamela Howard from Drogheda and Brian McCloskey from Dundalk were the proud winners of the run and they were presented with their prizes on the day. Over 130 people participated in the race and the money generated will go towards improving the services at St Oliver’s Hospital which provides excellent care to many elderly residents from the locality who have contributed to the community throughout their lives.

The fundraising group have initiated and funded many service improvements since its inception including the provision of three beautiful gardens, weekly reflexology and aromatherapy and creative arts projects.

They also fund comfort aids, the upgrading of the environment as well as the provision of daily newspapers, art and craft supplies and bingo prizes.

Kay O’Keeffe, director of nursing at St Oliver’s, congratulated all those involved in organising the event and thanked all the volunteers, participants, sponsors and the local businesses who donated spot prizes.

She described it as ‘a wonderful example of the strong community spirit in Dundalk’. The participants really enjoyed the event and there was a real sense of camaraderie established between the contestants.

Planning is already underway for next year’s event and chairperson John Mathews is seeking a local business to sponsor the runas they have charitable status. You can contact John at 086 3719080.