Community rallies around brave Cillian

THE charitable nature of gym-goers in Wexford was highlighted in exemplary fashion through a fundraising event that raised €10,000 for a well known, popular boy from the town who is currently receiving chemotherapy treatment.

Cillian Conden was the beneficiary of a ‘Prowler Push’ that took place at Fierce Fitness in Westpoint Industrial Estate.

The event was organised by the gym owner Tracey Morris and Sharon Murphy who helps out at the gym.

Commenting on the initiative Ms Murphy said it was a great success and she thanked everyone who supported it.

‘Tracey just came in one morning and said I’ve an idea, we’re going to raise €10,000 for Cillian,’ said Ms Murphy.

‘A lot of the women who come here have children so I suppose we all could feel empathy for him and we just wanted to help,’ she added.

However, she admitted that when the idea was first mentioned it seemed like a daunting task.

‘It took place over 24-hours in July and we had about 70 people involved who took it in turns to push the prowler,’ said Ms Murphy.

‘That’s a piece of gym equipment that we use here and it didn’t stop moving once during the 24-hour period,’ she added.

She thanked everyone who sponsored the participants and said in addition to being a great fundraiser everyone enjoyed themselves too.

Meanwhile, another fundraising night for Cillian held in the Sailing Cot pub saw a large group of local people get together for a head shave and leg wax event.

Organised by Nancy Pitman the fundraiser was extremely well supported - much to the delight of Ms Pitman who acknowledged the generosity of local businesses.

‘All of the shops in the town donated spot prizes for the night which was fantastic,’ she said.

‘The people have been very generous and supportive of Cillian and we are all really grateful for that,’ she added.

‘Wexford has truly marvellous people and this highlighted that. We received great support on the night.’

Ms Pitman thanked everyone who went along on the night and in particular the people who got their heads shaved and legs waxed.

Millie O’Leary, Sinead Wood, Oisin Conden, Tracey Morris, Cillian Conden, Sharon Murphy and Alfie O’Leary at a cheque presentation of €10,000 for Cillian’s Cancer Care at Fierce Fitness.

Nancy Pitman with Cillian’s mum Sinead Wood and those taking part in the head shave and leg wax in aid of Cillian in the Sailing Cot.

Alan Pitman having a leg wax and head shave by Gavin Reville and Jodie Murphy.

Emer Murphy, Margaret Greene, Christina McDonnagh, Margaret Connors and Julianne Greene in the Sailing Cot.

Jade Power and Patrick Connors in the Sailing Cot.

Nicola Gibson and Breda Whelan in the Sailing Cot.

Conor Gleeson and Ciara Treanor in the Sailing Cot.

Eileen McGuire and Kay Roche in the Sailing Cot.