Mary doing her bit to help local charities
ARKLOW’ WOMAN MARY ON THE START OFA NEWFUNDRAISINGCHALLENGE
WELL-KNOWN Arklow woman Mary Nolan Hickey has laced up her runners in order to fundraise for a worthy cause.
The fitness enthusiast is taking part in the May 50k challenge to raise funds for multiple sclerosis research. Mary has set herself a additional target to run, cycle and walk 100k and plans to continue to fundraise for other causes in the coming months.
‘I set a small target of €200, because I know so many others are also fundraising for charities at the moment. In June, I’m hoping do a virtual half marathon for the Irish Cancer Society and Arklow Cancer Support. Then, I’ll do something for the Wicklow Hospice in July.’
Most charities have lost their traditional ways of fundraising due to the pandemic and are relying on virtual events to help plug any shortfall in funding.
‘I think it’s great that everyone is helping each other out. I’m doing my little bit too,’ said Mary.
A dedicated fundraiser for local causes, Mary has been maintaining her fitness by doing laps within 2k of her home and since last Tuesday, within the extended 5k radius. She said the restrictions also provide a unique opportunity for people to start exercising.
‘Now is a great time to get out and start walking because no one is watching. It’s great for people’s physical and mental health. I love to see people out walking and I hope people keep going once the restrictions are lifted.’
With the next Dublin Marathon in doubt, Mary said she is hoping to do more fundraising later in the year in support of the Arklow RNLI.
‘It gives you great motivation to log up the distance and keep going.’
Last year, Mary completed her second ‘Lap of the Map’ to raise funds for the Arklow RNLI. To make a donation to Mary’s May 50k challenge, visit www.themay50k.com/ fundraisers/marynolanhickey/ ireland-run.