Una’s 500 miles fundraiser for the Oisín McGrath Foundation

Una O'Reilly, a native of Enniskillen who now lives in Belcoo, has recently completed a mammoth fitness challenge to raise funds for the Oisín McGrath Foundation.

Having started the ‘Wild Atlantic Way’ challenge in October, Una's mission was to walk 500 miles (800km) before the end of January – the equivalent of the distance between Malin Head and Westport, Co. Mayo. Although not literally walking from point to point, her 'virtual' challenge saw her cumulatively walking towards the overall target, as Una walked at various spots across Fermanagh, throughout the Winter months.

 

With lots of local support and encouragement – Una completed her 500 miles and raised a fabulous £3000 for the Oisín McGrath Foundation, which was formed in memory of 13 year old Oisín McGrath from Belcoo, who lost his life tragically in February 2015.

Una said “I want you all to know I have loved every minute of this challenge and it has been a pleasure to raise money for this wonderful charity and to remember this lovely boy Oisín McGrath who was my neighbour for too short a time.”

Administered by the Fermanagh Trust, the Oisín McGrath Foundation provides financial support to young people who demonstrate exceptional commitment and/ or ability to the world of sport but may be held back by their financial situation from pursing their goals.

Lauri McCusker, Director of the Fermanagh Trust said ''What a fantastic achievement Una and thank you so much from everyone involved in the Oisín McGrath Foundation. Your initiative and the community support is very much keeping with the spirit and community ethos of the Foundation, its wonderful.”

The Foundation is inspired by Oisín’s life and formed both to keep his spirit alive and to inspire others through his memory. The three strands of the foundation are Organ Donation Awareness, Brain Injury Research and Awareness and Local Youth Sports Development.

The Foundation is currently open for application and inviting local individuals / clubs to apply for sports development bursaries. The closing date for this year’s funding awards is Friday 9th April. For more information or to download an application form CLICK HERE / E: gemma@fermanaghtrust.org / Tel: 028 66 320 210.