Olympic medallist Sonia O’Sullivan will run the Dublin Marathon on 26th October in aid of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind. Today the charity called on the public to challenge themselves to join #TeamSonia by volunteering to run the marathon with her.
Irish Guide Dogs works to help persons who are blind or vision impaired and families of children with autism to achieve improved mobility and independence. 80% of the charity’s income comes from voluntary donations and fundraising – so those who volunteer to run the Dublin Marathon with Sonia will be raising funds that will play a direct role in enabling the organisation to provide Guide and Assistance Dogs together with its training services to its clients at no cost.
Sonia O’Sullivan said she hoped many others would volunteer to run the Dublin Marathon in support of Irish Guide Dogs.
“I am really looking forward to joining the Irish Guide Dogs team in Dublin and know that I am running not just for myself but also to help give others greater mobility and independence each day with the assistance of a Guide Dog. If you would be interested in running the marathon with me and challenging yourself for a great cause, please get in touch with the Irish Guide Dogs today. It’s a great opportunity to develop your own physical fitness while having fun with like-minded people,” she said.
Leonard Lloyd, Head of Fundraising, Irish Guide Dogs thanked Sonia for her generosity in pledging to run for the organisation.
“Sonia has always been a great supporter of Irish Guide Dogs, and we are very excited that she will be running the Dublin Marathon this year. Members of the public have the opportunity to join #TeamSonia and to run the Marathon with her – so we are calling for people who want to get involved in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to participate alongside one of Ireland’s greatest ever athletes. We would love to hear from anyone interested in taking part on the 26th October to benefit Irish Guide Dogs, or indeed from those keen to learn more about our other volunteering opportunities that optimise a wide range of talents and can fit with your schedule,” he said.
The countdown to the Dublin Marathon on October 26th has begun. If you would like to join #TeamSonia on behalf of Irish Guide Dogs, please visit www.guidedogs.ie for more information.