In November 2017, my wife Eilish was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease and lived with this disease until April of this year. At 53, Eilish left this life behind.

Eilish was the single most extraordinary person I have ever met. We shared our life’s passions; our three beautiful children, our love of music, books, travel and many beautiful memories. Eilish was as Eilish always said the ‘measure of my dreams’

We made the most of the last 4 and a half years and could not have done so without the huge help of Eilish’s sister Trisha, her mam Mary, our famillies and Eilish’s many friends.

The help, support and assistance of the Irish Motor Neuron Disease Association (IMNDA) was critical to Eilish maintaining her independence and communication. Without their help we would have been lost. They gave us the tools to keep going.

They were always there to help and we never waited for equipment, support or advice. They gave us a supporting hug on our worst days.

Approximately 90% of the IMNDA’s funding comes from fundraising and donations and to that end on behalf of my late wife Eilish and our family, I would, with your help like to give a little back to keep other families going who are living with this cruel disease.

Motor Neurone Disease is a life limiting disease. We always have hope that advances in medical science will soon find a cure.

I plan to keep it very simple. I have been a participant of Parkrun for a number of years. Parkruns are a timed 5km walk, jog, run which take place in over 100 locations around Ireland at 9:30 every Saturday morning. Parkrun is a positive, welcoming and inclusive experience where there is no time limit and no one finishes last. Everyone is welcome and there is always a cup of tea, a bun, a chat and a laugh after every event.

My goal is to finish 4 Park Runs in Eilish’s memory to raise some vital funds and awareness for Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

I plan to run with a little help from family and friends 4 Park Runs to fight MND and finally Victory over this cruel disease. I am choosing 4 Locations to represent the Capital letters of the Acronym MND.

MND - Mullingar, Naas & Donabate and finally V – Vicarstown (Victory over MND)

Run 1

4th June 9:30

Mullingar Parkrun

Old Rail Trail Car Park,

Newbrook Bridge, Mullingar.

Run 2

11th June 9:30

Naas ParkrunNaas Racecourse,

Tipper Road, Naas

Run 3

18th June 9:30

Donabate Parkrun

Newbridge House,

Hearse Road,

Donabate, Co. Dublin

Run 4

25th June 9:30

Vicarstown Parkrun

Grand Canal Bank,

Vicarstown, Portlaoise,

Co. Laois.

It would be great to see a few familiar faces on the final run in my Parkrun home of Vicarstown on Saturday 25th June.

There is no requirement, but if you would like to become a member of Parkrun, please visit the website www.parkrun.ie. There is always a welcome, a bit of fresh air and most importantly tea and cake!!

Your donations and support are greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

Ciaran

‘Living our best life’

Run for Eilish for the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association

Created by Ciaran Doyle

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