Kenmare’s Jack and Jill run a huge success

EDELLE Monahan of the Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation was in a buoyant mood talking to The Kerryman this week as one of it’s most iconic fundraisers, ‘Jack and Jill Run Up The Hill’, drew people of all ages to Kenmare once more on Saturday.

Around 350 people walked, ran or jogged the 10-kilometre route, which took participants from the Square, around Killmurray Hill, and back to the Square again.

“You had young and old, families, children, babies being pushed along in buggies, people with walking sticks, everyone who wanted to get involved in the great buzz that always goes with this event,” Ms Monahan said excitedly.

“Some of the more competitive runners took off to the front straight away, but everyone was allowed to go at their own pace. This event first happened in 2008, and has raised over €65,000 for our foundation since then, and is the blueprint for the charity’s annual ‘Up The Hill Nationwide Challenge’ which takes place in September.

“It was local postman John O’Sullivan who started this almost ten years ago, as his son Seán benefited from our services. He is understated, but determined, and has been so, so kind to Jack and Jill in championing this event,” she added. “We owe him a great debt of gratitude.”

More than 60 Kerry children have availed of Jack and Jill services since 1997, and 11 children in the county currently benefit from the work of Jack and Jill.