Tommy goes the distance to raise €5,000 for autism unit
TOMMY Walsh ran 500 kilometres during the month of June and raised €5,000 for the Rainbow Unit at Scoil Mhuire in his native Wexford town.
The determined athlete, based in Kilcock, County Kikldare, who has six marathons under his belt, embarked on the challenge after learning that the school’s annual 5k run had to be cancelled in April due to Covid-19.
Tommy set himself a target of raising €1,000 but he surpassed that by collecting €5,000 for Scoil Mhuire which is opening an autism early intervention class for pre-school children in September.
The longest that he had previously run in a month was 380 kilometres and he completed the 500 km by going for a run at 5.30 in the morning before starting work and another in the evening.
Tommy notched up the last 10 km in Wexford and crossed the finish line last week at Scoil Mhuire where school representatives, family members and well-wishers gathered in a well-deserved show of support.
A special presentation was made to the Wexfordman to mark his achievement.
Tommy is a big supporter of the Rainbow Unit which he has described as a special place where kids on the autism spectrum are seen as equals, are supported in every way possible and encouraged to progress.
‘Having your child in a place which accepts kids for who they are, sees the potential where others do not and appreciates the struggles that our kids go through daily to do the ‘normal tasks’ in life, is a blessing and a comfort’, he said.