The Cork Association for Autism’s Blue Balloon Fun Run & Walk took place last Sunday in Blackrock, raising €6,000 for the charity which provides services for adults on the autistic spectrum.
Ken Perrott and Trevor Welch from Cork’s 96FM started the race and it was a great sight to see 300 participants taking off waving their blue balloon for autism. The route started near Páirc Ui Chaoimh, travelling along the old railway line and then back along the water, finishing at Blackrock Castle. At each km sign runners and walkers of all ages read key facts about autism which now affects 1:100 individuals in Ireland.
There was a great atmosphere at the finish line with an ice-cream van, face painter and the Cork City Community Fire Engine all present to welcome the participants back. The top three males were Darragh Holmes, Dave Condon and Eddie Murphy. The top three females were Dolores Duffy, Aoife O’Flynn and Siobhan O’Sullivan.The event drew to a close with a balloon release making it a great family day out.
Marion Courtney Fundraising Manager at the Cork Association for Autism was delighted with the turn-out saying ‘Many of the clients and families that avail of our services took part today and it was a great awareness day. We would like to thank everybody who came along and supported this event along with our sponsors Fitzpatrick’s Store Glounthaune, Aherns Centra Carrigtwohill, All Fresh Little Island, Musgraves and a special thanks to Bus Eireann for providing a complimentary shuttle bus on the day’.
All funds raised will go towards the building of the CAA’s new Day Service Centre in Mogeely, East Cork which is opening in September.
