Carrie to host third annual 5k for three causes
Athlone stroke survivor, author and charity fundraiser Carrie Minagh is set to host her third annual charity walk locally next month.
This year's event will take place on Sunday, October 11, at 2pm at the Athlone Regional Sports Centre.
The family event, launched by Carrie three years ago following her own recovery from a brain aneurysm and stroke, has become an annual opportunity to bring people together while raising funds for worthy causes.
This year sees a new collaboration with the Westmeath Branch of the Irish Kidney Association (IKA), with 60% of the proceeds going to the IKA, while the remaining 40% will be divided equally between the two charities that benefited from the fundraiser in its first two years, Croí and the Irish Heart Foundation.
A host of local transplant recipients will also be taking part in the walk, and the organisers are encouraging the public to join them. The event promises to be a life-affirming day celebrating recovery, transplantation and the gift of life.
Among the local transplant recipients taking part will be former Athlone and Westmeath footballer John Egan, who will share his inspiring journey at the event.
John received a living donor kidney transplant in November 2021 after living with kidney disease and undergoing dialysis.
Since his transformational transplant, John has married Traci and the couple are now proud parents to three young girls, Bella (3½) and twins Romy and Ellie (9 months).
John’s story is a powerful example of the new chapter that transplantation can bring.
John will speak at the event about his experience and the profound impact his transplant has had on his life and his family.
He will be joined in the walk by fellow transplant recipients from Westmeath, including Athlone locals Jack Cunniffe, Cathy Smyth, Ronan Mulvihill, Cian Brennan from Mullingar and local councillor John Dolan, who required prolonged rehabilitation following a cardiac arrest in 2017.
Carrie will also participate in the walk and say a few words about her own health experience and the journey that led her to establish the annual walk.
The annual walk grew from Carrie’s desire to turn her experience into something positive and to raise awareness and money for causes that make a real difference to people’s lives.
The 2.5km walking track at Athlone Regional Sports Centre will be completed twice to make the full 5km, with participants welcome to walk, jog or run at their own pace.
Carrie and the Westmeath IKA branch extend their sincere thanks to Athlone Regional Sports Centre for supporting the event and providing the facilities for what promises to be a special day of community, enjoyable activity and fundraising for three important causes.
Speaking ahead of the event Carrie Minagh said: “I’m delighted to see the walk continue into its third year and to be working with the Westmeath IKA this year. It is a very special day for me, bringing people together, celebrating life and raising money for three very worthwhile causes.”
An online fundraising link has been set up and can be accessed here