Gale Force West challenge for Crosserlough man
[Story: Sean McMahon, Anglo Celt, 15th July 2009]
Raising funds for autism services
Martin Kelly who will be participating in the Gale Force Challenge to raise funds for the Family and Friends of Cootehill Respite Centre and autism services in counties Cavan and Monaghan.
Big hearted Martin Kelly who has been living in Crosserlough for the past eight years is taking on the "Gale Force West" challenge on Saturday, August 22, which involves six stages in an effort to raise money for children with autism in the Holy Family school in Cootehill and the Knocktemple unit.
Martin heard about the Cootehill Respite Centre at the Holy Family School and the fact that they have just set up a community called "Family and Friends of Respite" to provide much-needed funding for this centre, which caters for adults and children in Cavan and Monaghan.
The Gale Force West challenge includes a 12km run, a 1.6km kayaking across Killary Harbour, a 5km run, 32.5km cycling, the ascent and descent of the mighty Croagh Patrick and a 12.5km cycle. This is a total of 65km, which has to be completed in ten hours.
Martin got involved in running four years ago when he gave up smoking. His first challenge was to run the Dublin marathon and went on to take part in three other marathons that year and he is actively involved in the Inny Vale athletic club. There are sponsorship cards available for this event.
The family and friends committee of Cootehill Respite Centre was established to raise funds for various projects in this centre.
Approximately 40 children and 70 adults currently access this service.
The centre offers respite to children and adults with primarily an intellectual disability and other disabilities on alternative weeks in Cavan and Monaghan.
While providing respite for family carers, the Cootehill Respite Centre also provides quality short-term breaks for the person with the disability in an atmosphere where each individual is valued and respected.
Positive opportunities are provided for children and adults to interact with their peers and enjoy relationships with people outside their immediate family circle, while achieving a measure of independence.
The family and friends committee also provide a recreation fund for outings, day trips and activities.
They also fundraise for toys, equipment and any additional resources to make the service user"s stay in the Cootehill Respite Centre more enjoyable.
The group hopes to raise enough funds to extend and replenish the current respite building, making it more user friendly and also introduce skill mix planning.
They are also hoping to install a multi sensory snoozelen room, which will greatly benefit all service user"s with autism and those with both physical and multi sensory difficulties.
Currently there are only two downstairs bedrooms in respite and it is their intention that additional downstairs accommodation would be added including bedrooms and recreation areas.
The Family and Friends of Cootehill Respite Centre also invite you all to a launch night and barbecue at T.M."s Vintage Bar in Kilnaleck on this Friday night, July 17.
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