Westmeath student (19) to complete 100k charity run on home treadmill
A 19-year-old college student from Westmeath is to undertake a mammoth 100k running challenge on a treadmill at home in order to raise funds for the FirstLight charity, which supports suddenly bereaved parents and families.
Megan Corcoran, a TU Dublin college student from Streamstown in Westmeath, will complete the 100K charity run on a treadmill at her family's home this month.
On March 18, 2004, Megan's three and half-month-old baby brother Jake McCormack-Corcoran died from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, more commonly known as cot death.
Speaking about why she has chosen FirstLight, Moate Community School past-pupil Megan said: "FirstLight was there when my family needed support, and this charity is very close to our hearts; therefore, I wanted to help ensure that FirstLight is there for others when they need the specialist bereavement supports that FirstLight provides.
"My parents Corrina and Graeme would usually host an annual fundraiser on the May Bank Holiday. This year it was to be a Mile in Memory Walk in Streamstown village, followed by live music and a raffle.
"However, due to COVID-19, such a community event obviously cannot take place this year. Instead, I am doing the 100k treadmill in my back garden and sharing it widely through social media."
Megan will share her daily progress on her Instagram account (megancorcoranx) and she has set-up a GoFundMe page where people can donate to FirstLight.
She said she'd strongly encourage those who might be looking at staying healthy during COVID-19, and wanting to fundraise for a worthy cause from their home, to join her online and run their own 100k on a treadmill or around their back garden.
Established in 1976, FirstLight (originally Irish Sudden Infant Death Association) provides crisis intervention and free professional counselling support to parents and families that have experienced the sudden death of their child.
Professional bereavement support services include home visits, one-to-one adult and child therapy, couple counselling, and closed support groups to help families accommodate their grief and move on with their lives.
In 2019, FirstLight supported 142 families across Ireland whose child had died suddenly. During Covid-19, FirstLight's clinical team is continuing to provide these supports via telephone, on-line and video conferencing.
"As with many other charities COVID-19 has dramatically affected the fundraising abilities of FirstLight," said Fionnuala Sheehan, the CEO of FirstLight.
"The organisation relies on fundraising for more than half of the monies required annually to deliver its services.
"We are, therefore, most grateful to Megan Corcoran, her family, and all who are contributing to this fundraiser. The funds raised will directly help support other families who have experienced the sudden loss of their child," she said.