Runners and walkers are being asked to play their part in the fight against suicide by registering for the Laurels Charity Crew 10k Fun Run/Walk in aid of Console.
Olympic silver medallist Cllr Kenny Egan and South Dublin Mayor Sarah Holland were on hand to launch the event which takes place in Corkagh Park, on Saturday September 19 (2pm).
This is the third annual fun run/walk organised by the Laurels Charity Crew, and another huge turnout is expected for this year’s event.
Paul Kelly, CEO of national suicide prevention and bereavement charity Console, urged people to come out and use the opportunity to run, walk and, most importantly, talk at this fantastic event.
“Two of Console’s central themes are community and communication, and the 10k Fun Run/Walk is the perfect example of this,” said Paul.
“The 10k timed run or the walk may be important, but the most important part of the day is the talk.
“We’d like to ask people to get in touch with family members or friends that they may only see once in a while, and come together for a chat and either a run or a stroll at Corkagh Park.
“Console would like to thank the Laurels Charity Crew, South Dublin County Council and Aryzta Food Solutions for highlighting suicide prevention through this event.”
The Laurels Charity Crew are in their seventh year of fundraising in the Clondalkin area, with their annual Galway cycle raising huge sums for worthy charities.
“Our first two run/walks allowed us to buy and install defibrillators for 29 schools and ten shops in the area, along with purchasing sports equipment for schools,” said Derek Cummins one of the race organisers.
“September is World Suicide Prevention Month and we would love this year’s Fun Run/Walk to highlight the work done by Console, and raise awareness of their free 1800 247 247 helpline.”
Over a thousand runners and walkers are expected to enter for the annual event, and participants can find details on the Laurels Charity Crew Facebook Page or via precisiontiming.net.
The entry fee is €25, which includes chip timing, a race jersey and a donation to Console.
South Dublin Mayor Sarah Holland was delighted at the Council’s backing for this community day.
“South Dublin County Council will be providing the race infrastructure, live music and a DJ, along with entertainment and face painting for the kids in what should be a great family day out for a wonderful cause,” said Cllr Holland.
About Console:
Nationwide professional suicide prevention and bereavement charity Console offers counselling services and 24-hour helpline support to people in crisis and those bereaved by suicide.
The charity has full-time counselling centres in Dublin, Limerick, Cork, Wexford, Galway, Kerry, Kildare, Athlone, Mayo and London. Console also offers liaison services in counties Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Tipperary and Clare.
Counselling, advice and general support is available for any individual, couples, groups, families or children who have been affected by suicide.
Console can be reached at any time on freephone 1800 247 247 and many resources and useful information can be found atwww.console.ie.