Family fun to raise valuable funds on World Battens Day
THE SAOIRSE Foundation celebrates the fourth annual World Battens Day this Saturday, June 7, with a family fun extravaganza at The Kerry Way near Killarney from 12pm to 6pm.
A great day of fun, entertainment and prizes is guaranteed and there’s even an opportunity to get fit too as events kick off with a 5K Family Fun Run in Killarney National Park at 11am.
There is still time to sign up for the run/jog/walk as registration is from 9.30am at St Mary’s Cathedral and afterwards there will be a prize-giving ceremony music, bands and fun for all the family in The Kerry Way where entry is free for all the family.
There will be a BBQ, live bands and even a unique ‘ best dressed bee competition’ sponsored by Mods and Minis from Deerpark Killarney. Face painting, dancing and lots of activities for all ages will make the day enjoyable for all the family and, of course, there will be ice-cream and bouncy castles for the little ones to enjoy.
The new BUMBLEance will also be on show, the country’s only dedicated interactive children’s ambulance, brainchild of Tony and Mary Heffernan. Of course, the event comes just a few short weeks after little Liam Heffernan succumbed to Battens Disease and so the thoughts of all involved will be with the Keel family who also lost daughter Saoirse just three years ago.
“It is so important to thank all of our supporters and to raise awareness about children living with rare and genetic diseases,” Tony said, adding: “Our project, Liams Lodge, is now underway and we know that it will also bring positive impacts to sick children and their families all over Kerry”.
Meanwhile, at 3pm on the day there will be a wish balloon release to remember Saoirse and Liam and it will also remember six-year-old Aidan O’Connor of Kanturk and teenager Rhiannon Bates of Derry who also lost the battle against Battens in late 2013.
Anyone who can’t make it can take part by emailing info@saoirsefoundation.com and texting Buzz to 50300 to make a €4 donation. Those who want to get involved or help out in any way can contact 083- 0044444 or email info@saoirsefoundation.com.