Fun run and walk in aid of Holy Family School, Cootehill

A fun run and walk in aid of The Holy Family School will take place this Sunday, May 24.

Funds raised will go towards fulfilling the school’s “wish list”, which includes things like additional music therapy sessions, trips, or equipment that are not covered by the Department of Education.

Chairperson of the Parents Association Louise McCormack said they have “no specific target” for this fundraiser and they would be “grateful for any amount of money”.

She praised the “very generous” fundraising efforts by the entire community recently, which brought in a total of €80,000, allowing them to buy a bus for the school, which has already proved “life changing” for the staff and children.

Kingscourt woman Louise sees first-hand the work the school does for the children, as she moved her own daughter Millie to the Holy Family school four years ago.

“Her needs just weren’t being met there [in the special class]. She didn’t develop the way that we had hoped.

“The units are great but it wasn’t meeting her needs.”

It was a “harsh reality” for the family when they realised they had to move their daughter but Louise described the move as “the best thing” they did. Millie is non-verbal, has autism with an intellectual disability and global development delay.

She said the education provided at the Holy Family school is “so holistic” and meets the needs of every child, and Millie has also learned “life skills” there.

“From the caretaker to the principal, the love and care that they show to all the children is just immeasurable.

“Every parent that I have spoken to really feels that their child is so loved and protected there.”

With this in mind, the Parents Association is eager to support the staff and children, which is why they are organising Sunday’s event.

The fun run and walk event will take place this Sunday, May 24, starting at 12pm in Halton’s Amenity and Forest Park in Cootehill. Registration will take place on the day.

Donations are also welcome.